According to the department for transport, the majority of cycling deaths happen on rural roads, where high speed limits increase the chances of collision related deaths.  However there is a worrying trend developing in urban areas for increasing numbers of cyclists sustaining serious injuries and being killed, despite the low
 limits.

Many of these accidents involve HGVs, as the drivers often have difficulty seeing cyclists in their blind spot, and are more likely to cause serious injury and death due to their large size.

With cycling becoming more and more popular in the UK, it is obvious we need new safety measures and infrastructure to improve safety for cyclists. Some drivers of cars and larger vehicles can be inconsiderate, making cycling unpleasant and stressful.  As cyclists become more concerned for their safety some are choosing to wear recording equipment to record incidents.

It has been suggested that the UK Government should invest in better cycle lanes modelled on the Dutch, where cyclists can be separate from the normal flow of traffic. The London cycle superhighways are a start, but our attitude is still very different from the Dutch culture, where cycling is more accepted, and cyclists are given priority over drivers on roads that they share. This results in safer conditions, and the majority of cyclists not feeling the need to wear helmets. It is hoped that as more of the superhighways open, and coverage improves across London, cyclists will be able to move off the congested roads and make the majority of their journey using the new cycle lanes.

In the meantime however, a recent ban on “unsafe lorries” in London is the latest scheme to solve the issue of HGVs and cyclists. The aim of the scheme is to make certain safety features compulsory for vehicles above 3.5 tons, so they are less likely to hit cyclists, and also less likely to cause death or serious injury in the case of a collision.

The safety features include large class V and class VI mirrors that give a better view along side the vehicle. It is hoped that this will decrease the number of cyclists being hit when HGVs make left turns without realising that the cyclist is along side the vehicle. In the event of a collision however, the now compulsory side guards should prevent the cyclist being pulled under the wheels, which is the most common cause of death when a cyclist is hit.

With the new safety features being made compulsory at the beginning of September 2015, it is yet to be seen whether they will make a measurable difference to the safety of cyclists in the capital, and if other urban areas will follow.

At Bridge Fleet Solutions, we are experts in safety, and offer a range of solutions designed to improve fleet safety, while saving money. Be sure to get in touch to see how we can help you.  For further information please contact us at info@bridgefleetsolutions.co.uk or give us a call on 0208 402 2350

13 Improving cycling safety in urban areas