Town bans to save cyclists?
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by Karen Miles • Hauliers could be asked to accept urban truck bans in a bid to reduce the number of cyclists killed by lorries.
The idea comes from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which is researching cycling deaths.
By the end of 1995 RoSPA plans to make a series of recommendations: options include cab periscope mirrors, improved cycle lanes and lorry bans. RoSPA is producing a draft document for consultation with the Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association, local authorities and the Department of Transport.
The move follows research from the London Accident Analysis Unit (LAAU) which shows that trucks killed 90 cyclists in the capital between 1984 and 1993.
The LAAU, which is funded by the London boroughs, says trucks are much more dangerous to cyclists than cars. More than 40% of cycling deaths were killed by trucks, although they only account for 5% of traffic.
The blind spot on the nearside of heavy goods vehicles is the most frequent cause of cyclist deaths.
RoSPA says 186 were cyclists killed in Britain in 1993; of these fatalities 42 were in accidents involving trucks.
Another 149 cyclists were seriously injured. There were 563 accidents involving trucks and cyclists. No truck drivers were killed in these incidents but two were seriously injured.