Published: 21 July 2009
Beware the Dangers of Left Turning Lorries
More than 140,000 cyclists in the Capital are being sent a link to a new cycle safety training film for cyclists & lorry drivers as part of work by Transport for London (TfL) to reduce the number of cyclists killed and seriously injured in the Capital.
The 5 minute film, which anyone can watch online, has been designed to help cyclists & lorry drivers navigate London´s busy roads – and each other – safely.
Filmed from both the cyclists & drivers points of view, it outlines a series of golden rules:
· Drivers of left-turning goods vehicles must keep checking their left mirror for cyclists
· Cyclists should remember that if they can’t see a vehicle’s mirrors, they probably can’t be seen by the driver
· Cyclists should avoid undertaking (go up the left-hand side) goods vehicles, and shouldn’t undertake a goods vehicle that is stopped at traffic lights, unless the lights have only just turned red
· Cyclists should ensure they position themselves far enough ahead of an goods vehicle (in stopped traffic) that the driver can see them
Last year 9 London cyclists lost their lives after being in an incident involving an HGV. The number of cycle casualties is falling but TfL are determined to address the number of collisions taking place involving cyclists and goods vehicles.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
“I want Londoners to feel excited about our cycle revolution and to feel 100 per cent confident about getting on their bikes.
It is crucial that lorry drivers and cyclists look out for one another on our streets and behave in a way that keeps them safe.
I urge drivers and cyclists to watch this short film and would encourage everyone to give cycle training a go.”
Londoners of all ages are also being encouraged to sign up for TfL-funded cycle training through their local borough councils.
The training sessions, which are free in many boroughs, are individually tailored to each person’s needs, and teach them how to deal with a wide range of traffic conditions – including how to behave around goods vehicles.
Last year nearly 6,000 adults and more than 39,000 children took TfL-funded cycle training – a record number. Despite this, new research from TfL shows only one in ten of all Londoners and only three in 10 London cyclists have ever had cycle training.
Ben Plowden, Director of Integrated Programmes at TfL, said:
“The number of adults being cycle trained in London in the past two years has nearly doubled, but a lot of people aren’t aware that they can get free, or very low cost TfL-funded cycle training through their local council.
Cycle training is something that can help all of us, from complete beginner to seasoned commuter, navigate London’s roads with greater confidence and increased awareness.”
In addition, the Mayor of London’s Share the Road group has created a new poster campaign, calling for Londoners to look out for each other when driving, cycling or walking on the Capital’s streets.
Gordon Telling, Head of Policy at the Freight Transport Association, said:
“With increasing numbers of deliveries and other freight journeys being made each day the need for courteous, considerate and safe behaviour from all road users is greater than ever.
I strongly recommend that all users, especially cyclists and commercial drivers, take the few minutes to watch this film and make sure that they share the road and don’t become victims of a tragic collision.”
A full-length version of the cycle safety film is being sent out to haulage companies and road safety officers, in addition to being available on line. To view the internet version of the film, and to find out how to book cycle training in your local area, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling.
TfL continues to work with haulage companies though the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) to address the problem of collisions between cyclists and goods vehicles. Companies are working with TfL to put warning signage on the back of their vehicles and educate their drivers about how to behave around cyclists (9,800 signs have been distributed to date).
In the past year, TfL has distributed 15,000 free safety lenses (through FORS), known as ‘Fresnel’ lenses, to freight companies operating vehicles in London. The easy to fit lenses stick on to the passenger window of a truck cab, improving lorry drivers' vision of cyclists who come within close proximity of their vehicles.
Further information
TfL – Cycle Safely
London Cycling Campaign
Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)
VOSA information sheet
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