London cyclists urged to take extra care around lorries

Date: 26/10/2010

Cyclists and lorry drivers in the capital have been urged to take extra care on the roads by Transport for London.

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents involving collisions between the two vehicles in the city, the organisation has introduced new training for lorry drivers and launched a cycle safety advertising campaign.

The initiative will use posters to remind cyclists not to undertake HGVs at junctions.

Kulveer Ranger, Transport Advisor to the Mayor of London, stated improving bike safety in the capital is of utmost importance, especially as increasing numbers of people continue to join the cycle hire scheme.

It is vital to give advice to bike riders about road positioning and send out the message "that being in the blind spot of a large vehicle could potentially have fatal consequences", he continued.

This issue was also raised earlier this month when police organised an event at Streatham Common to allow cyclists the chance to sit in the cab of a lorry in order to understand how difficult it is for drivers to see them in their mirrors, according to YourLocalGuardian.co.uk.

Posted by Sarah Bailey