More than 140,000 cyclists in the Capital are being sent a link to a new cycle safety training film for cyclists and lorry drivers as part of work by Transport for London (TfL) to reduce the number of cyclists killed and seriously injured in the Capital.
Last year nine 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 five minute film intends to help cyclists and lorry drivers navigate London´s busy roads – and each other – safely. Filmed from both the cyclists and 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
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, says: “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.”
Watch the film now at www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling
