Lessons for cyclists on lorry danger

Cyclists are being shown first hand how riding alongside lorries is a potential killer.

This week police are at Horse Guards Parade to emphasise to cyclists how important it is to keep a safe distance between themselves and commercial vehicles.

By demonstrating how blind lorry drivers can be to a cyclist's presence, officers hope to reduce accidents.

Police are increasingly concerned following a number of deaths of cyclists in recent years, many involving heavy goods vehicles.

Met statistics show that 53 per cent of all cycle accidents happen during the rush hour. This year alone 13 cyclists have died in road collisions, with six involving heavy goods vehicles. Last year nine cyclists died in accidents involving HGVs.

Four lorries and a trailer unit will be available in Horse Guards Parade from 8.30am until 6.30pm each day.

Participants will be invited to position themselves at the nearside of the lorry, before swapping places and seeing from inside the cab how limited the driver's vision is.

Chief Inspector Mark Bird, from the Met's Traffic Unit said: "In 2007, 13 cyclists have been killed to date, six through collisions of this kind with commercial vehicles.

"Whilst this particular event focuses on educating the cyclist, it is essential that all road users take responsibility and use the roads safely and within the law.

"We work very closely with lorry drivers, companies and representative groups to ensure that all parties are equally aware and respectful of other road users.

"With its healthy living and environmental benefits, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular way to get around.

"However, it is essential that cyclists both new and experienced regularly reflect on how they can remain safe.

"I would urge people to come and see first hand just how invisible they can be to these large vehicles."

The Evening Standard has campaigned for better conditions for cyclists with the Safer Cycling campaign.

Transport for London says there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people cycling - an 83 per cent increase on London's major roads since 2000.

Nick Morris, Director of Road Network Performance at TfL said: "The Mayor and TfL have worked hard to tackle the issue of collisions between cyclists and goods vehicles, which are small in number but responsible for a significant proportion of fatal accidents involving cyclists."