New campaign to improve cyclists’ safety

Cyclists in London and Manchester are being encouraged to ‘hang back’ from lorries in a safety campaign launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The THINK! campaign has been developed after statistics showed last year a fifth of crashes where cyclists were killed involved HGVs.

A large proportion of deaths happen when a cyclist is at the front left of the truck, and almost a third of all crashes between cyclists and HGVs happen when the lorry is turning left.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We are investing £300 million over the next four years to help make Britain a cycling nation.

Reducing the number of cyclists killed on our roads is a key priority. Since 2010 the number has decreased to its lowest level. This campaign will raise awareness amongst urban cyclists and help make our roads safer for those on two wheels.”

The campaign film entitled ‘Things you shouldn’t get caught between’, as well as posters, carry the message: ‘Don’t get caught between a lorry and a left turn. Hang back’.

The campaign will also target HGV drivers through partnership activity with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and will be supported by tips for car drivers in general to raise awareness of cycle safety on the roads.