THINK! - Cyclist turning left (if you can see them!)

Date: 14th Monday, November, 2016

The Government’s campaign to raise awareness of the safety issues around HGV’s and the cyclist has roused diametrically opposed opinions fuelling the debate on safe road sharing.   Official figures state over 100 fatalities in the past five years with 20% attributed to vehicles turning left.  It’s clearly a problem that needs a pragmatic solution with the Government promoting a ‘cyclist hang-back’ message for this scenario.  But will this advice be accepted or adhered to?  In many respects, we face a perfect storm. There has never been so many people donning the lycra and taking to the roads in the pursuit of exercise, competition and enjoyment.  Bolstered by the immense success of our national team and high-profile characters in the sport in events such as the Olympics and Tour de France, our roads are awash with pedalling enthusiasts.  No bad thing.  To mobilise the public to engage in fitness activities is to be embraced and encouraged.  However, the roads are also busier than ever with more cars per family and HGV’s still the mainstay of distribution.  In most cases, roads have not been modified to accommodate cyclists so a loose cooperation prevails.   Some would say that the ‘left turn’ issue is just the tip of the iceberg with many opinions polarised on rights and responsibilities.  Clearly, cyclists are vulnerable and utmost consideration must be given  by all vehicle drivers to ensure nobody is ever harmed but both sides have an equal role to play in delivering the status quo.  It may be unreasonable to expect the cyclist to determine the lowest common denominator on our roads whereby all other vehicles must modify their behaviour.  Many HGV drivers cite on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Blog THINK! - cyclists reluctant to give way and adopting a dominant attitude on road rights.  Is this an unrealistic position to take?  Some would agree – many cyclists beg to differ and the debate goes on.  On a practical point, there is reluctance by some cyclists to adopt some basic safety steps through appropriate clothing, helmets and selfish behaviour which will only fuel the division between driver and cyclist.  Likewise, some drivers may be guilty of lack of awareness or patience.  Perhaps it is time to have some basic training and safety standards for all cyclists to ensure every effort is being made to reduce accidents?  In the meantime, perhaps greater cooperation and consideration from all parties should be promoted. 

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For more information please contact:

Neil Yorke
The Best Connection Group Ltd
e-mail: neil.yorke@thebestconnection.co.uk
www.thebestconnection.co.uk

or

Jan Blann
Market Notions
Tel/Fax. 01926 843693
Mobile.  07976 284248
e-mail: jan@marketnotions.com

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