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Cyclists at greatest risk from lorries, school says
David Williams, Evening Standard26 Sep 2008
Lorries turning left in traffic are the "greatest danger" facing cyclists in London, experts behind a new cycle training course said today.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists - which since 1956 has tutored motorists in the finer points of driving - has launched a new course aimed at bicycle commuters.
It has already begun training hundreds of riders from London firms including BSkyB, Visa and GlaxoSmithKline. Later this year it will train staff at the Solihull headquarters of Land Rover.
Today - after two cyclists died and one was seriously injured on London's roads in the past week because of collisions with lorries - it urged cyclists to give lorries an "extra wide berth".
On Wednesday a woman cyclist was killed when she was hit by a lorry at the junction of Southampton Row and Vernon Place in Holborn.
Last week, father-of-two Nick Wright was killed by a lorry in Upper Thames Street. And a 30-year-old cyclist is recovering in hospital after both his legs were crushed under a truck in Kensington High Street last week.
The man was airlifted from the scene, during the morning rush-hour, with fears both of his legs would have to be amputated. A Met spokesman confirmed he had suffered "life-altering" injuries.
"Cyclists often just do not realise the high level of danger from trucks," said IAM spokesman, and cyclist, Vince Yearley. "They don't always realise they can't be seen in the truck's mirrors and they get in the wrong position on the road.
"This is one of the key features of our new courses which are aimed at showing cyclists - especially novices - how they can ride in London and stay safe."
The IAM said the "golden rules" were for cyclists to stay "well clear" of lorries - and to ensure they could be seen at all times.
"It doesn't just mean wearing bright clothing; you also have to keep out of the lorry driver's blind spots," Mr Yearley said. The IAM scheme aims to help business drivers switch from cars to two wheels.
Mr Yearley added: "You can't just expect someone to start cycling in heavy traffic from scratch. The aim of our course is to make the switch to cycling as seamless and safe as possible."
Latest statistics from Transport for London show a 91 per cent increase in cycling in London since 2000.
Last year there were 15 fatal accidents and a further 446 serious accidents for which riders needed hospital treatment.
Despite a 19 per cent reduction in the number of serious cyclist injuries in London since the mid-Nineties, cycle experts say the accident toll is still far too high.
HELPFUL TIPS
Prepare your bike
Ensure tyres are well inflated, the saddle height is adjusted, the brakes are working properly and you have lights if cycling after dark.
Know your route
Driving is very different to cycling - you may want to practise part before committing to the whole route.
Watch out for HGVs
Beware of cycling alongside an HGV - especially on the left - even if they are not indicating.
Many fatalities involve cyclists and HGVs - the classic crash being a cycle going down the inside of a lorry at lights or roundabouts.
Keep your distance
When approaching an HGV always maintain a clear, safe distance and assume you cannot be seen.
Be seen
It's better to look like a Christmas tree with lights, reflectors and a bright-yellow tabard than to be ignored, especially by pedestrians, who may not hear you.
Wear a helmet
Purists say motorists are less tolerant of cyclists with helmets but an uncomfortably close pass is better than risking a head injury.
Get training
Your employer may offer help.
Reader views (10)
Craig, that the whole point!!!! You should never be in a little space on the left, that is exactly how to best put yourself at risk. Cyclist are road users, they are part of the traffic and should join the flow instead of segregating themselves from it. Safer, not only because you are not getting squeezed in a very limited space, but mainly because you are SEEN which is the most important thing when you are on the road.
- Kika, London, 01/10/2008 15:46
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I cycle almost everyday in London, where it isnt bad a some countrys where drivers intentionally kill cyclists and drive off, it is still bad. Should we ride in the middle of the road and hold traffic up as people drive in cyclist lanes? Cyclists are blight Bernice, it is that kind of attitude that gets us killed, you have a huge metal shell and we have flash and bone, it might irratate you that we can normally get through traffic easier than you, but that requires effort to pedal not just putting down your foot! So dont intentionally block the small amount of space we take up or we will ride in the centre of the lane if you like? Dont intentionally go for us, even though we could never prove you killed out of intent, you have to live with your concience. I understand a truck turning, but while driving why suddenly swerve towards the kerb where we are cycling on the inside??????
- Craig, London, 01/10/2008 12:41
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Remember, the lorry driver is likely to be stressed, lost, looking for a turning or an address and most likely behind schedule. And his phone is ringing.
As well as wearing hi-visibility gear, get a loud horn or a whistle (a bell is no use) and be aware of the trucks blind spots.
Also, trucks should have extra nearside wide angle mirrors by law.
- E.A.Smith, London, 26/09/2008 17:44
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When I turn left in my car, clearly indicating, I can see cyclists coming in rearview mirror. They can see I'm indicating and have every right to turn left. Most just cycle on regardless and I wait until they have done so to avoid collision, because pocket-wise it would hurt me more and I don't want to cause their injuries. Drivers, walkers, etc - we all have to stop from time to time when we have right of way. Why do cyclists think they have the right to get to where they're going WITHOUT stopping? Why? We all have obstructions, they can't expect to cycle non-stop to their destination. They are a blight on the London roads and most of them should be arrested for negligence!
- Bernice, London, 26/09/2008 17:27
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I cycle commuted into London for 20 years before becoming a HGV driver, in central London. I deliver at night. Never, ever stop by the passenger door of a lorry or go up the inside of a lorry indicating left. Even if it looks like it's angled oddly. Remember, a lorry needs a bigger turning circle and the back will swing into the kerb!
- Jon, London, 26/09/2008 16:53
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Hands up, as a car driver, cyclists irritate the hell out of me, but I do accept that they have a right to be there. Funny though, EVERY cyclist who has caused me a problem through their arrogance or crass stupidity has been a man - women are far better cyclists as well as drivers, and that is from an unreconstructed, but realistic MCP.
- The Gene Genie, Croydon, 26/09/2008 15:17
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What ever happened to Lorries only being allowed in London at night time...? Did Livingstone revoke that when he got in...? We can't ban them altogether as London is a major World city, not Lego Land. But it would make sense to go back to making them enter the Capital during times when there are less people on the roads.
- Shelly, London, 26/09/2008 14:14
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I cycle to and from work every day and my brother is a push bike courier - Paul's comments are exactly right. Read the Highway code and be aware of what is going on around you when you ride. It should be mandatory for cyclists who do not possess a motorcycle or driving licence to be trained and tested before endangering themselves on London's roads.
- Emma, London, 26/09/2008 13:18
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It sounds pretty obvious to me that cyclists should be cautious when riding up the inside of any large vehicle whilst it is attempting to turn left. What makes them do it in the first place?. They are the most vulnerable of road users, except when cycling at 20mph along the footpaths then pedestrians are in mortal danger.
- Paul, Croydon UK, 26/09/2008 11:58
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In a fair article about lorries and cyclists, one does question the very last point about 'helmets'.
Helmets are not a panacea for all woes; they will not save you from a 10 ton cement mixing lorry, EVEN if properly adjusted!
Helmets do not compress, they merely spread the load, but are only really good if you fall off from a very low spead, or when stationary. Statistics show that mile for mile, cycling is as safe, or dangerous, as walking, but there is not a campaign to get pedestrians to wear helmets, 'just in case', or indeed to get pedestrians to wear number plates, unless you discount ID cards being !
That, said, training would be good for novices. I've grew up learning to ride bikes on the road, and have been used to traffic since the 1970s. For someone taking up cycling from scratch, it wouldn't hurt for some advice on defensive riding and knowing how to make riding safer.
- George, London, 26/09/2008 11:14
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