CAPITAL IDEAS
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London mayor Boris Johnson is hoping to improve cycling safety with a draft action plan. His initiatives include: encouraging HGV operators in London to join TfL's Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS);
*working with more than 300 freight companies that operate construction vehicles. They will be encouraged to install side-bars or other safety devices on HGVs that are exempt;
• calling for government action to improve HGV safety; • requiring cycle safety awareness as a mandatory part of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence periodic training.
The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) stresses that more needs to be done to reduce death and injuries.
It points out that HGVs are involved in more than half the cyclist fatalities in London, yet they are involved in only a small proportion of the serious injuries.
Chief executive Kay Thomson says: "LCC is in favour of widespread implementation of cyclist awareness training for all lorry drivers in London."
Other initiatives
• In 2008, Lambeth Council introduced special training sessions in cycling road safety for drivers of refuse vehicles, school buses and other HGVs to prevent road deaths involving cyclists and HGVs.
• Last year, cement firm Cemex lent a lorry to Merton Council so it could demonstrate to cyclists the dangers of the road from a driver's perspective.