London Safety Program Impacts Attitudes of Cyclists

At the HGV Training Centre, we offer HGV training in East Ayrshire and throughout the UK. However, our training can do nothing to help cyclists who have no idea what it is like to be in the cab of an HGV. That’s why we are so pleased when we hear about programmes that affect cyclist attitudes by putting them behind the wheel of a lorry.

One such programme was recently offered as part of the annual London Bike Show. According to the Handy Shipping Guide, more than 850 cyclists took part in the ‘Exchanging Places’ programme designed to show them just what an HGV driver sees, and does not see, from the cab of his or her vehicle. The programme was operated under a joint effort between London’s Metropolitan Police Service and Crossrail.

We think it is important to note that part of Exchanging Places was a survey given to cyclists after having time to experience the environment of an HGV. The vast majority of respondents said they had no idea how big the blind spots are inside such large vehicles. Even more importantly, 99% of the cyclists filling out the survey indicated they would be changing their cycling habits now that they know how difficult it is for HGV drivers to see them.

Complementary Education Efforts

The HGV Training Centre has long advocated for complementary education efforts that would train both HGV drivers and cyclists regarding one another’s perspectives. Nevertheless, until recently, almost all educational programmes were focused only on the commercial driving sector. It is refreshing to see definitive action being taken to educate cyclists. When both HGV drivers and cyclists are properly educated, accidents between them are reduced.

Most of the problems leading to such accidents stem from a simple lack of knowledge. HGV drivers have a difficult time anticipating what cyclists will do because they do not understand the cyclist perspective. For the same reason, cyclists find it difficult to anticipate HGV driver action because they do not know how restrictive the view from the cab is. Clearing up the confusion on both ends changes things dramatically.

HGV Training with Us

We do not offer training programmes for cyclists, but we do offer comprehensive HGV training in East Ayrshire and nearly four dozen other locations around the UK. There is likely one located close enough to you to make HGV training convenient and easily accessible.

The HGV Training Centre is proud to say we are one of the leading providers of commercial driver training in the UK. We work with individuals and companies drivers, whether they need new training or remedial training to brush up on their skills. If you are a fleet manager, you will be happy to know we also offer CPC training that will ensure all of your drivers are in compliance with the law.

For details of all the training programmes we provide, please contact our office using the telephone number on this website. We want to be your training provider regardless of your needs.

Sources:

Handy Shipping Guide – http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/road-haulage-test-outlines-dangers-to-cyclists-from-hgvs_5347