PREVENTION
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For any operators wanting to take immediate steps to safeguard their drivers, the Freight Transport AssocIation's Natalie Chapman advises getting drivers to watch the fiveminute safe cycling video on TfL's website, produced in conjunction with Tradeteam. It points out the obstacles both lorry drivers and cyclists have to contend with and how they can be more aware of each others needs.
The FTA has also added a cycling element to its Delivering in London Driver CPC module.
Operators can also fit additional mirrors and cameras to their vehicles, and TfL are still offering a free Fresnel lense to every lorry (email FORSetfl.gov.uk).
However, as Chapman points out, "you can have all the bells and whistles but they're only as good as the driver who uses them" and they can also lead to a false sense of security for a cyclist. "If a cyclist sees a lorry with all the mirrors on, then he may assume that the driver will easily spot him," she adds.
The emphasis seems to be about raising awareness among cyclists of the various dangers associated with lorries, such as trying to pass on the left-hand side when they are stopped at junctions or are about to turn. The Met Police Commercial Vehicle Education Unit holds regular Cycle Ops around the capital where the officers stop cyclists and put them in lorry cabs to make them aware of the blind spots. They also stop lorries as well and explain the need to be more aware of cyclists in London.
TfL is also doing its bit by providing training to cyclists.
As a professional industry, it is up to operators to ensure their drivers are aware of the increased risk posed by more cyclists in the capital, and the finger of blame for once can hopefully not be pointed at our industry.