Movie spotlight
Think Bike - Jimmy Hill
Featuring well known sports presenter Jimmy Hill, ‘Think Bike’ encourages motorists to take extra care to look out for motorcyclists when pulling out from junctions. Using the slogan ‘think once, think twice, think bike’, the film features a graphic depiction of an accident to shock the audience. A very similar tactic is still in use today in the recently launched ‘Think – take longer to look for bikes’ campaign which also shows a motorcyclist crashing into the side of a car. A Department for Transport report from 2006 concluded that the most common cause of motorcycle crashes is a ‘right of way’ violation…the majority of these incidents occur at T-junctions and it is usually the motorist – rather than the biker – who is at fault.’ ‘In around 65% of these ‘right of way’ incidents, a driver somehow fails to see a motorcyclist who should be in clear view.’
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary features former football player and manager Jimmy Hill discussing road safety and the importance of cyclists being visible and aware on the roads. It offers practical advice and emphasizes the shared responsibility between motorists and cyclists for preventing accidents. The film serves as a public information announcement promoting safer cycling habits.
Critical Reception
As a short, instructional documentary from 1978, 'Think Bike - Jimmy Hill' did not receive traditional critical reviews or widespread audience reception in the way feature films do. Its purpose was primarily educational and safety-oriented, aimed at promoting awareness among cyclists and drivers. Its effectiveness would have been measured by its impact on road safety campaigns rather than critical acclaim.
What Reviewers Say
Primarily viewed as an educational tool rather than entertainment.
Focuses on practical safety advice for cyclists.
A piece of public service broadcasting from its era.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this short documentary is not available. As an archival safety film, it was likely appreciated for its informative content rather than generating extensive user commentary.
Fun Fact
Jimmy Hill, known for his extensive career in football as a player, manager, and broadcaster, also lent his voice and image to this public safety announcement, highlighting his broader public service interests beyond sports.
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