Plans to make London streets safer for cyclists took a step forward this week as the Crossrail project said would ban all heavy goods vehicles not fitted with basic safety features.
New contracts will contain mandatory requirements that lorries working on the project are fitted with sensors and other safety equipment to alert drivers of cyclists, reports Construction News.
Crossrail programme director Andy Mitchell said: “Crossrail sets high standards for lorries operating on the project and views the safety of all road users, including cyclists, as a significant priority … HGVs that do not comply with our increased requirements will be refused entry to Crossrail worksites and turned away incurring financial cost to individual contractors.”
It’s hoped the requirements will improve safety across the capital and beyond because Crossrail contractors work on various other projects, he added.
Lorries must be fitted with special lenses that scan the area to the left of HGVs as well as buzzers that alert drivers when an obstacle such as a cyclist is detected. Trixi mirrors will also be installed at left-turn traffic signals near Crossrail sites.
Cyclist safety got further support earlier this month when the UK Contractors Group announced that it was drafting a new safety strategy for its members that could see lorries entering city centres fitted with sensors, turning alarms, mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under their wheels.
The move came in response to The Times newspaper’s Cities Fit For Cycling campaign, and could make a big impact if adopted by the UKCG’s membership, which includes the likes of Balfour Beatty, Lend Lease, Carillion, Mace and Skanska.
“It’s all very well to be inward-looking and protecting workers on site but we also have to outward looking and ensure we are protecting the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and road-users,” UKCG director Stephen Ratcliffe told the newspaper. “We are aware of the health and safety risk [to cyclists] and this is about finding a more cohesive and collective way to manage the issue. If the same message is coming out from 30 companies rather than just one, it is far more powerful.”
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As a cyclist both in London and Berlin, I note the differing attitudes that exist between these cities, of both drivers and cyclists, more commonly known as mutual respect. More of this in London, will result in less damaged cyclists and less traumatised lorry drivers. Needless to say I welcome all these safety measures many of which are already in place in Europe.