Male cyclists in Oxfordshire are more likely than women to crash into parked cars while overtaking, a new campaign on bike safety has revealed.

A new countywide advertising campaign has been launched to encourage cyclists to 'master the art of the backward look'.

The Oxfordshire County Council initiative to improve safety reveals 16 per cent of male cyclists wobble when they look back, compared to 31 per cent of women.

Police accident records used in the survey also shows women are more likely not to look back and be hit by a vehicle to the right as they are overtaking.

But more male cyclists crash into parked cars while looking back over their shoulder and fail to see what is ahead of them.

Now posters in the street and adverts on the updated Oxford Cycle Map are aimed to encourage cyclists to learn how to take a glance over their shoulders with confidence.

Researchers surveyed 5,000 cyclists in Oxfordshire and hope the campaign will encourage both men and women to practice the 'backward look' while riding in quieter streets first. Ian Walker, Bath University psychologist, will study the results of the campaign.

He said: "We want to find out if road safety slogans work.

"Will many cyclists understand what we are saying, and will they take the advice?

"If they do, will it change the way they feel about cycling, so they are more confident on the road?"

A message now appears on posters across Oxfordshire. It reads: "Being able to take a good look back lets you move out past parked cars and turn right with confidence. Taking a backwards glance every now and again helps you keep your cool. It's worth practising in a quiet street to perfect your technique."

The campaign also gives a number of safety tips:

Don't hang shopping bags from handlebars -- it affects your steering

Keep brakes in working order, tyres pumped up and chain well oiled Anticipate hazards by keeping an eye on the road ahead

Remember the ability to balance, turn your head, judge speeds and react to hazards changes with age, tiredness, medication, alcohol and drugs

Avoid turning right while glancing over your shoulder.

According to figures published by Oxfordshire County Council, 20,000 cyclists ride their bikes into or from Oxford every day.