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The London Cycling Campaign and HGV manufacturer Dennis Eagle have launched a major new initiative to reduce the number of cyclists and pedestrians killed or seriously injured in collisions with lorries.
Such collisions account for around half of all the cyclist deaths each year in the capital, with construction industry lorries the main vehicle type involved.
The new Lorry Safety Project, run by LCC with by sponsorship from Dennis Eagle, provides advice and support to lorry operators on reducing risks to people walking and cycling as well as advising people how to stay safe when cycling near lorries.
LCC’s road danger reduction expert Tom Bogdanowicz said: “Many more people experience the pleasure and convenience of cycling to work. Our new Lorry Safety Project provides simple and clear advice on how to stay safe when cycling near lorries during a commute. We are also highlighting how best practice in the industry can be rolled out and made even better to make our roads safer for everyone, such as through the CLOCS lorry safety procedures.”
Traditional advice to cyclists focuses on the dangers of overtaking a lorry in the narrow gap on the nearside when it may be turning left. Mr Bogdanowicz instead focussed on a risk that is often overlooked: “People often think that a lorry moving to the right poses no risk and then cycle into the space created. They aren’t aware that the vehicle is actually making space to take a sharp left and find themselves heading straight into danger. With a few simple steps cyclists can avoid this and other risks.”
