Safety Tips for Cyclists and Lorry Drivers (2.96MB pdf)

Travelling
in Harmony
Road Harmony
Safe Urban Driving Course for HGV
Drivers
Additional advice and training
The Highway Code
The Highway Code is a comprehensive guide to road
safety, detailing the rules of the road, which apply to all
road users including drivers and cyclists. Road users are
advised to consult the Highway Code before travelling
on the roads. The Highway Code is available from local
bookshops and from The Stationery Office at
www.tsoshop.co.uk
Cycling Skills & Cycling Safety:
A basic guide for adult cyclists
This leaflet has been produced by DRD Travelwise NI
and DOE Road Safety Branch to promote cycling and to
provide advice to cyclists on safe cycling.
Sharing Space on the Road
This leaflet from DRD Travelwise NI provides some
commonsense tips for motorists and cyclists on sharing
the road with other users.
Both of these publications are available from DRD
Travelwise NI, tel: 0845 378 0908 or download from
www.nidirect.gov.uk/travelwiseni
Cycle Training
Cycle training is a great way to gain the skills and
confidence that can make cycling on the roads a practical
and safer travelling experience. Cyclists or drivers
interested in finding out more about cycle training should
contact Sustrans Northern Ireland on 028 9043 4569,
www.sustrans.org.uk or email belfast@sustrans.org.uk
New Practical One Day Accredited
Training Course
Road Harmony
Safe Urban Driving Course for HGV Drivers
The Safe Urban Driving Course is a best
practice training programme for HGV drivers and
companies, including commercial goods operators,
to help prevent collisions with vulnerable road users
in an urban environment. This new one-day course
has been developed by the Freight Transport
Association in partnership with Sustrans and Cycle
Training UK.
The accredited course is split into two parts: for
the first half of the day, drivers get on bikes to gain
a cyclist’s perspective of riding on busy roads; the
second half is a theory module in the classroom.
The course is Driver CPC registered.
To book contact the FTA on 028 9046 6699,
www.fta.co.uk or email training@fta.co.uk
Advice for HGV Drivers and cyclists
The popularity of cycling
is soaring as more and
more people are turning
to sustainable modes of
transport to beat congestion
and to improve their health.
Advice for HGV Drivers
Give cyclists room
The Highway Code states that you should give cyclists at
least as much room as you would a car. Please give people
on bikes plenty of space and be mindful of the turbulence
created by passing lorries.
Understand cyclist road positioning
Riding a ‘door’s width’ from parked cars or centrally through
pinch points means that some cyclists ride in the middle of
the lane where they can be seen. They are not trying to
annoy drivers.
Overtake considerately
While many riders can keep up with the flow of traffic, please
be patient with the less speedy and wait behind them till there
is enough room to pass. Give cyclists room when overtaking.
Overtake just a little bit faster than their speed, don’t be
tempted to ‘squeeze’ past as cyclists may need to swerve to
avoid a hazard.
Look out when turning left
Watch out for cyclists undertaking and going straight ahead
at a junction as you turn left. Look down the nearside and be
aware of your blind spots. Let people on bikes on your inside
go ahead.
Give cyclists swerving room
Cyclists often need to swerve to avoid potholes, glass, oil etc.
These road obstacles are sometimes not apparent to drivers.
Cyclists don’t have to use bike lanes
Riders may be more visible out of a bike lane riding with the
flow of traffic (for example, where the cycle lane is positioned
too close to the mouth of a junction). Cyclists may move out
of a bike lane to pass slower riders.
Watch your door
Take a second look before getting out of your vehicle for
riders passing by. Many inexperienced people ride close to
parked cars.
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable
road users and there are obvious dangers
when bikes share the road with lorries. All
road users have a responsibility to travel
safely together and respect one another.
Cut down on tooting
A blast of a horn directed at a cyclist is extremely loud and
may unbalance some riders. Be considerate when tooting
and only sound the horn (in line with the Highway Code) to
warn of danger.
This leaflet aims to provide both HGV
drivers and cyclists with an understanding
of each other’s needs and to offer guidance
on how to share the road safely.
Understand cyclists better
The best way to know more about how to drive with cyclists
is to have a go on a bicycle. If you haven’t ridden for a while
why not get a cycle lesson.
Advice for Cyclists
Maintain your bike
Ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition before setting off.
Know the Highway Code
Always obey the rules of the road.
Be seen
Wear bright coloured or reflective clothing and use lights at
times of poor visibility.
Be cautious of drivers’ nearside
Never cycle on left hand side of stationary or moving vehicles
in the same lane as they may be intending to turn left or stop
at a bus stop.
Understand road positioning
Cycle at least a metre from the kerb. This makes you more
visible to other road users. Stay in the middle of the lane at
junctions and roundabouts to avoid drivers squeezing past.
Be aware of other road users
Look around as you cycle along especially before changing
your position on the road.
Signal
Give clear signals of your intention to turn.
Use of cycle lanes
Only use the footway if it is designated for shared use. Be
aware of the limitations of cycle lanes, vehicles may cross your
path from left or right.
Give drivers room
Pass lorries wide in order to be seen and for you to make
eye contact with the driver through his wing mirror. Take care
pulling out to pass a stationary lorry or goods vehicle.
Be responsible
Take responsibility for children cycling with you.