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Lorry stickers to warn cyclists of undertaking
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent19 Aug 2008
A safety campaign has been launched to stop cyclists being crushed by lorries.
Council vehicles in Camden will display warning signs on back windscreens reading "Cyclists - beware of passing this vehicle on the inside."
The pilot scheme follows a spate of accidents in which riders have been trapped between pavement railings and a truck or bus turning left.
Chris Lines, head of road safety for Transport for London - which supplied the stickers and hopes to extend the scheme across the capital - said it would encourage drivers and riders to be more vigilant.
"We are making progress in cutting the number of cyclists hurt on London's roads, but the number involved in collisions with large vehicles is still too high," he said. "By working with Camden, I hope we can get the message out to cyclists to be careful when riding near larger vehicles, and also to help drivers to watch out for cyclists."
Latest figures show the number of serious injuries from cycling accidents in London has almost doubled in six years. In 2000/01, 422 riders were admitted to hospital, but in 2006/07 the numberwas 819.
The biggest rises were in Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, Kingston, Havering and Camden.
Last year there were 21 serious cycling accidents in Camden and one fatality. There were also 132 minor injuries.
Mike Greene, Camden's executive member for the environment, said many were caused by driver blind spots.
He said the council had responded by installing special wide mirrors on its bus fleet. The mirrors help to improve a driver's vision of cyclists and pedestrians who come close to their vehicle.
Mr Greene added: "We encourage cycling in Camden, both to help the environment and improve public health, and we want to make sure cycling is as safe as possible. These new safety measures will make our roads safer for everyone who shares them."
About half of cyclists who die on the roads every year are involved in a collision with a heavy goods vehicle.
The Evening Standard introduced its Safer Cycling Campaign last year after a series of deaths, including that of jewellery designer Emma Foa in King's Cross as she rode from her home in Hampstead Heath to work in Clerkenwell.
The 56-year-old, who was wearing a ref lector jacket and helmet, was crushed by a two-tonne lorry as it turned left. Her daughter Lia, a children's books editor, has since called for compulsory training for bus and lorry drivers to prevent more accidents.
She said: "Buses and trucks are doubly dangerous because of the problem of visibility from the cabs, their length, the tight corners they often negotiate and the immense power they wield Those who control them should be fully aware of the dangers and the safest way to drive, and their employers should provide the necessary training."
A spokesman for the London Cycling Campaign said: "Stickers are all very well but we would like to see more done. Drivers need to be given cycle training to better understand what it is like to be a cyclist on the streets. All large vehicles need to have proximity mirrors to minimise blind spots."
Reader views (32)
I think it's sad that some are so ready to attack the victims of horrific accidents like these. As a cyclist, pedestrian and driver in London, it's pretty obvious to me that the majority of all three groups behave safely on the roads, but you do get the odd reckless cyclist/oblivious pedestrian/arrogant driver. We need to have better education for all (the Highway Code does not cover this subject sufficiently), enforce the use of the full six mirrors for HGVs, make sure cyclists understand the dangers fully, and give serious sentences to drivers who fail to behave safely and prevent cyclist deaths. There ought to be a major publicity campaign around this issue, and genuine deterrents for drivers. Boris, Cameron - you're cyclists - why don't you deal with this issue?
- Sara, London, 17/07/2009 09:40
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this is deffinately a step in the right direction. i think more needs to be done to educate road users of all shapes and forms to respect one another and understand each others safety. the roads are there for everyone and cars and lorries are not the top dogs so to say. we all need to be safe and there should be no reason to be the antagonist or to get antagonised, whether you are a car, lorry, bike or scooter. where's the respect people!
- Cawson, London, 02/10/2008 10:42
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I am sorry, but no cyclist would get willingly in a situation in which he or she is about to be crushed. You seem to forget that.
Speaking as a cyclist, I wear the appropriate cycle gear, check my lights, stick with the rules, indicate my actions and make sure that whoever is behind me gets the message.
Stickers are all very well, but it would be even better if all drivers and cyclists start to obey the rules and clearly indicate (if necessary shout or use your horn) what they are about to do.
To be honest, I rather shout at a driver and make sure that he or she realises that he or she is about to cause me serious harm, before letting it actually happen – The classic situation: A driver ignores my right of way at a junction or just over-estimates my ability to exercise a full stop at any speed.
Just noticed that some bus drivers started to use their horn to make sure that I realise that they are about to turn left. That's fair enough. I still hate the fact that they cut me off, but at least I get a chance to slow down.
- Antje, London, 18/09/2008 13:49
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Good news. All cyclists will obey all the laws all of the time.
Bad news. They will do this as soon as everybody else does the same, e.g. drivers not speeding, using hand-held mobile phones, parking where they shouldn't, driving when drunk, etc, etc.
- Austen, London, 18/09/2008 13:17
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Another female cyclist has been killed by a lorry on Southwark Bridge this morning
- Jo, Wandsworth, London, 18/09/2008 12:02
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To all the cyclists who think the green man is riding a bike, look again!! You'll see he has two legs. That means that we, the pedestrian, have the right of way!! If cars have to obey traffic lights, so do you pillocks on 2 wheels!!
- Jock, London, 17/09/2008 23:52
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I ride a motorcycle and make a point of not overtaking when there is a junction, its simple and effective. If you understand when and where you can be mashed by a car/truck/bus then you're not going to put yourself there.
Even if you've never driven a lorry it doesnt take much imagination to appreciate they have blind spots and you can't always be seen. These cyclists who are killed by lorries turning left really only have themselves to blame. Lack of road sense and common sense. Of course I have sympathy for them but to use this stupidity to campaign against everyone else on the roads isn't going to make you any more popular, in fact you're getting more and more unpopular the louder you become. Be careful too, because new pro-cycling laws will probably come with a clampdown on cyclists too.
- Steve, London, 16/09/2008 09:49
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Without wishing to trivialise what is a serious issue, re the photo caption - that big red thing on the left looks a lot like a bus to me, not a lorry.
More to the point it's a singularly inappropriate photograph to use to illustrate this story in any case, since this cyclist is in a dedicated cycle lane and so can't reasonably be construed to be overtaking (or undertaking - for want of a better word) anything. Were he to be hit while in this lane it could only be the driver's fault. If cyclists are half as irresponsible as the other posters claim, it should be easy enough to get a shot of one actually doing what the stickers warn them not to do.
- Queasy Rider, London, 15/09/2008 16:28
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When I was unlucky to live in London and commuted every day I found that 99% of cyclists to believethey were a law upon themselves. They are ignorant of traffic laws or just ignore them purposely. Its time to license and tax these people then they may just accept that they ave to obey the laws of the road we all have to. Car and lorry drivers pay a substantial amount of money for the privelage of driving on these roads through stinging road taxes, fuel taxes and insurance costs. Make cyclists have fully comprehensive insurence and road tax for their cycle then they can demand the same rights as oter road users.
- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand, 14/09/2008 08:35
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It is interesting that mention is made of accidents but no mention that lorry drivers suddenly turned without warning. The reality is that most cyclists abuse the right to be thick. They go through red lights, undertake on bends and jump on/off pavements like demented stuntmen. Yes, drivers need to take greater care but equally all cyclists need to exercise common sense, high viz lycra does not make you invulnerable.
- John, Dagenham, Dagenham, Essex, 13/09/2008 18:18
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As a young boy and man I have ridden a bike all over London,for years, without incident.
The only occasion I was hit by a car, was riding from Salisbury (Wilts) to Fovant to see a girl, the car emerged from a side street.
I am scared to ride a bike around this town, although New York is similar to London, the traffic cannot drive fast.
- Noel Pugh, Simi Valley, California, 12/09/2008 19:45
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The simplest and by way the most efficient solution is an instant driving ban for any motorist who has an accident with a cyclist, with the necessity for a new test to recover their license.
You will quickly see such accidents reduce to nearly zero.
Works in Denmark. There were only 3 hooking "accidents" last year, and those are disputed, considered more assaults using a car, than real accidents.
- Threaded, Roskilde, Denmark, 12/09/2008 13:14
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Well something certainly needs to be done. Just this week there have been two accidents involving lorries and (female) cyclists. On Monday community campaigner Lisa Pontecorvo died at the junction of Holloway Road and Fieldway Crescent, and this morning a woman suffered possibly life threatening injuries when she ended up under a lorry at Blackfriars Bridge/
- Lesley, Hastings, England, 12/09/2008 13:01
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I agree with Helen and Ron. Cyclists should receive training. As a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and car driver I see more stupid stunts from cyclists. Not stopping at red lights is the usual one - they obviously think that it doesn't apply to them. What happens when they take out a pedestrian who was merely (and correctly) crossing the road (as nearly happened a few weeks ago)! Cyclists are a law unto themselves and let's face you can't report them for dangerous riding - they don't have a number plate. If they get squashed because they havent followed the road rules then I say tough - those few idiots are the ones that give riders who do follow the rules a bad name. Same for motorcyclists. I can see why car/van/lorry drivers get so frustrated with them.....
- Barbara, Sydney Australia, 11/09/2008 22:55
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Cyclists are scum of the earth, and a menace to pedestrians on pavements.
And now they winge about being nearly hit by cars, what about when they nearly hit us pedestrians?
- P I Staker, LONDON, 10/09/2008 12:38
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Cyclists are a pain in the backside. I don't drive but the amount of times i've almost been hit by a cyclist who doesn't stop at a red light like they're supposed to is ridiculous and for some reason they feel the need to shout at me!! Watching some of these idiots on the road i'm glad i don't have to drive alongside them.
- Emma, London, 10/09/2008 11:22
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Shame, they stick the cycle paths in the inside of the road then. Sort of mandates undertaking all other traffic given the speed they move at on peak hours. Stickers should solve everything then ... build separate cycle paths ... much better ...
- Colin, Sutton, 09/09/2008 18:18
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Totally agree that in the majority of cases it's the cyclists fault - I've seen it too many times.
And as for the people complaining about drivers attitudes; whilst I agree that there can be aggression towards cyclists - ask yourselves why and the answer is obvious. It's been bourne out of years of seeing and experiencing cyclists doing stupid and illegal manoeuvres.
- Jl, London, 09/09/2008 13:39
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Eogon, what you have said is unfounded nonsense. Blame it all on the foreigners why don't you? I am absolutely sure that the majority of those incidents were caused by drivers with a UK license!
- Miriam, KENT, 09/09/2008 12:00
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I have been cycling in London for well over fifteen years now, and five of them were spent as a cycle courier. I have been fortunate enough never to have had a serious accident.
I have several rules I stick to without fail when cycling in London and rule number one is NEVER EVER undertake a moving lorry, bus etc. Nor, creep up on the inside of them at traffic lights as they could change at any moment.
You have to be incredibly stupid to undertake a lorry
- Michael Cooper, London, 09/09/2008 11:29
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Having witnessed this evening the horror of seeing a cyclist with his body broken and entrails spread all over the Holloway Road after colliding with an HGV I am now thinking twice about my daily commute by bike. You just don't realise you don't have a chance if one of these things hits you. Awful awful.
- Dan, Hertfordshire, UK., 08/09/2008 21:05
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As a lorry driver and a cyclist, I would say cyclists have to shoulder the blame.
Bus and lorry drivers have to undergo extensive training, including looking all around in all mirrors before carrying out any manoeuvres.
Cyclists on the other hand...
Educate the cyclists on the danger they are to themselves by getting them to drive a lorry for the day - it made a difference to my cycling habits once I had my HGV licence.
- Richard, London, 08/09/2008 16:15
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Cyclists should receive training, just like other major road users; and just like other road users they need to show skill, knowledge of the rules, politeness. Or are they a specially privileged breed? And is the headline accurate in the use of the word 'undertaking'?
- Helen, norwich, 08/09/2008 15:15
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It is sickening (and concerning)that the two previous commenters sound so impatient about cyclists. As a driver, I agree that some are unaware of the Highway Code, and can be thoughtless or impulsive, but I shudder at Ron Walter's comment that he does not have a great deal of sympathy "when one of these lycra-clad oiks gets hurt,or worse,when passing on the inside". I do hope that my conservatively dressed, non-lycra-clad,seventeen year old student son will never encounter Ron on the roads. He sounds as aggressive as the "oiks" whom he criticises.
Though my son does not undertake at all, and has had council-run training, people like Ron sound so angry with cyclists that I fear every day for my son's safety! He chooses to ride for environmental reasons. He is considerate, and feels strongly that Britain's roads are too clogged up. There are many, ordinary, reasonable cyclists like him! Angry attitudes on the part of drivers like Ron, which can easily lead to dangerous driving, should be regarded as an issue which also requires training and modification, if more serious accidents are to be avoided.
- Citizen B, UK, 08/09/2008 15:15
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A spokesman for the London Cycling Campaign said: "Stickers are all very well but we would like to see more done. Drivers need to be given cycle training ...". Bit rich. Cyclists need no training whatsoever before they go out on the road, yet demand respect from every other road user. They are mostly inconsiderate, uncaring even of their own safety, and will break the law any chance they get.
- Philip, London, England, 08/09/2008 15:15
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Ron and Helens comments are indicative of a culture in which the rights of car drivers seem to override the rights of vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. Bicycles are valid road users and it is people like Ron, cocooned in their van (is it a white van?), who show a callous disregard for other road users and make the roads a dangerous place to be. If drivers consulted their Highway Code on a regular basis they would see that bikes have the right to use the inside of the carriageway and drivers need to wait until it is clear before turning. And in response to Helen, you'll generally find that cyclists have a better knowledge of the rules of the road, as they have to recite them to drivers every day who think that car drivers are a special breed who 'own the road'. Thankfully not all drivers are like that. I would encourage Ron and Helen to try cycling for a day to see just how aggressive and rude motor drivers can be. So, be nice to other road users....This scheme is worthwhile, but only to a small degree. What is really needed is a change in attitude towards other road users (for drivers and cyclists), and better training/testing for all.
- Iggy, London, 08/09/2008 15:15
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If the cyclist is so stupid then they're candidates for the Darwin awards.
- Winsley, London England, 08/09/2008 15:15
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I cycle between 60 and 120 miles per week, mostly around London and have to say that there is a lot of aggression from motorists and other cyclists. I see stupidity from both.
Ron Walters has a point, I see cyclists "undertake" fairly regularly and I think awareness needs to be raised in both camps. I also see cyclists pull across lanes of traffic to turn right for example, without the slightest glance over their shoulders. In fact whilst riding myself I have almost smashed into riders like these.
However I also experience dangerous behaviour from motorists (pulling up close behind me on a narrow road, motor revving, passing me before cutting sharply back in etc). They seem keen to get passed cyclists so that they can accelerate off down the road, however I usually end up passing them at the next set of lights when they hit a jam.
Equally pedestrians need to learn to look before stepping out to cross the road when motor traffic is stationary in a jam - cyclists are still moving but many pedestrians do not notice and I have clipped many as I pass.
- Mcw, London, 08/09/2008 15:15
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Latest figures show the number of serious injuries from cycling accidents in London has almost doubled in six years. In 2000/01, 422 riders were admitted to hospital, but in 2006/07 the number was 819.
Maybe this is because of the amount of new drivers, now driving here from foreign counties that are used to travelling on the other side of the road.
- Eogon, Dublin Ireland, 08/09/2008 15:15
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I cycle to work everyday but would never ever consider undertaking a lorry or bus. I once saw a sign on the back of a lorry saying 'If you cant see me in my mirror, then I cant see you'. Says it all really.
- John, Cardiff, 08/09/2008 15:15
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Stickers will not solve the problem for suicidal cyclists.
On numerous occasions I have been stationary in a van at traffic lights, clearly indicating my intention to turn left and in one instance found three cyclists between me and the kerb. When I advised them that I was turning left, the response was abuse and I was forced to give way. There are a lot of cyclists who are totally lacking in civility, consideration for others and show complete ignorance of the highway code, which clearly states that you should not overtake on the left. I do not have a great deal of sympathy when one of these lycra-clad oiks gets hurt ,or worse, when passing on the inside.
- Ron Walters, Croydon England, 08/09/2008 15:15
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As a lorry driver myself its hard to drive in London. My lorry when loaded is generally 53 feet long weighs 44 tonne and is 6ft 6 wide, I have a newish motor which isn't fitted with the new standard mirror which is at the front and I m also not fitted with a blind spot mirror on my right side.
I ve taken a cyclist off his bike he was near my lift axle I turned left it was only after I had rolled over his bike that i actually saw him - he was lucky he could jump off quickly.
Its not the lorry driver who is chiefly at fault you cannot blame them 100% to say "you should have seen me" is bull, people do not understand that a truck that is doing 50mph on a motorway has the power to roll through a dozen stationary cars before it comes to a stop.
Car Drivers are not trained to understand that a lorrys needs that extra space to manouver they sit higher up than car drivers which gives them advanced warning for things in front, but utterly crap view of behind. I have no rear view mirror, I cant see my backside period and when I m in a jack knife monouver the trailer blocks out one side of my mirrors.
- Volvo Fh12 580, Essex, 08/09/2008 15:15
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