Campaign to improve cyclists’ safety

A large proportion of deaths happen when a cyclist is at the front left of the truck

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Cyclists are being encouraged to ‘hang back’ from lorries in a safety campaign launched by Road Safety Minister Andrew Jones to reduce the number of deaths.

Riding a bike is very safe, and is greener, healthier and more sustainable than other forms of transport but cutting the number of accidents is our top priority.

The Think! campaign has been developed after statistics showed last year a fifth of crashes where cyclists were killed involved HGVs.

A large proportion of deaths happen when a cyclist is at the front left of the truck, and almost a third of all crashes between cyclists and HGVs happen when the lorry is turning left.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We are investing £300 million over the next four years to help make Britain a cycling nation.

“Reducing the number of cyclists killed on our roads is a key priority – since 2010 the number has decreased to its lowest level last year.

“This campaign will raise awareness amongst urban cyclists and help make our roads safer for those on two wheels.”

The campaign film entitled Things you shouldn’t get caught between, as well as posters, carry the message: “Don’t get caught between a lorry and a left turn. Hang back.”

The campaign will also target HGV drivers through partnership activity with the Freight Transport Association and will be supported by tips for car drivers in general to raise awareness of cycle safety on the roads.

Christopher Snelling, Freight Transport Association Head of National and Regional Policy, said:
“We need to make our busy urban roads as safe as possible for all users and it’s important that both HGV drivers and cyclists understand the risks created by sharing the limited road space and know what steps they can take to minimise them.

“This DfT campaign highlights one of the key danger zones – the blind spot at the front left of an HGV. New design innovations such as transparent cab doors all have a part to play in improving safety in the long term but increased awareness can have immediate impact. FTA encourages all HGV drivers and cyclists to visit the campaign website to find out more about this important message.”