Motorcyclists are facing shocking levels of abuse on Britain’s roads, with drivers throwing litter and cigarette butts at them as they overtake, according to alarming new research from IAM RoadSmart.
A survey of 600 motorcycle riders found that 37% had experienced drivers deliberately tossing rubbish at them in the past 12 months, with incidents ranging from windscreen wash attacks to dangerous car dooring.
Deliberate Acts Put Riders at Risk
Other dangerous behaviours reported by bikers include:
- 80% witnessing drivers distracted by mobile phones
- 80% saying drivers failed to check for bikers at junctions
- 54% encountering drivers not checking mirrors when overtaking
- 60% experiencing tailgating
- 28% witnessing car doors opened without looking, endangering bikers
Motorcyclists are already among the most vulnerable road users, being 52 times more likely to die in a road traffic collision than car occupants, according to Department for Transport statistics.
Real Life Experiences: Riders Speak Out
Chris Palmer, a motorcycle coach from Exeter, described having takeaway containers and litter hurled at him by laughing car passengers.
He said:
“Incidents like this are reckless and could easily cause a serious accident. My advice: stay calm, don’t engage, and overtake safely.
Meanwhile, Graham Marsden from Portsmouth recalled a cola can being thrown at him and drivers deliberately accelerating to block overtakes:
It creates a hostile environment. You have to constantly factor these risks into your riding.
Drivers Also Report Concerns About Bikers
The IAM RoadSmart research also surveyed 1,000 drivers. Among their experiences:
- 35% said they had encountered bikers dangerously overtaking into their lane
- 35% had been tailgated by a motorcyclist
- 36% reported close passes by bikers
IAM RoadSmart Calls for Road Courtesy
Nicholas Lyes, Policy and Standards Director at IAM RoadSmart, condemned the reckless behaviour:
Hurling litter and cigarette butts at motorcyclists is shocking and completely reckless. Courtesy and vigilance could save lives.”
He urged both drivers and bikers to act responsibly, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of a collision involving a motorcyclist.
Littering Could Land You a Fine
Motorists caught littering can now face fines of up to £500, with new enforcement measures including dashcam evidence leading to penalties.
As roadside litter concerns grow, separate IAM RoadSmart research found that 45% of adults are now more worried about roadside waste than they were a year ago.
