CEMEX support London cyclist safety event
CEMEX UK supported the latest Metropolitan Police cyclist safety event, held in Trafalgar Square in central London last week, by providing one of their logistics fleet vehicles.
Aiming to lead in the way in the field of cyclist safety, CEMEX have instigated extensive driver training and fitted additional features to their vehicles to help make the drivers more aware of cyclists and to help the cyclists stay safe.
At the safety event, cyclists were shown the driver’s potential ‘blind area’ and the extra safety features on the vehicle. They were also encouraged to climb into the cab to learn about the area of visibility around a large vehicle from the driver’s perspective.
Prior to the event, the Met Police ticketed cyclists for road offences in the area but these were waived if the cyclist attended the event; a total of 96 cyclists came to Trafalgar Square on the day to learn more about safe cycling.
The most dangerous situation for cyclists is when they cycle along the nearside of large vehicles turning left. To alert them to this danger, a warning sign has been fitted to CEMEX vehicles on the rear nearside corner to highlight this hazard. Also, a large ‘Caution’ sign has been fitted along the left-hand side of the vehicle to further highlight this danger.
The Caution sign is complemented by sensors which activate a voice message for the cyclist as they pass alongside the vehicle, while visual and audible indicators in the cab warn the driver that there is movement on the nearside.
To help eliminate the blind spot at the nearside front corner of the vehicle, a series of three mirrors, including a ‘fish-eye’ lens, have been fitted. These are positioned using a special L-shaped mat, which is laid around the corner of the vehicle to represent the potential blind spot. The mat was used at the event to highlight this hazard to the cyclists.
‘The use of the CEMEX vehicle was an essential part of the day, and having your ticket cancelled was a great incentive for cyclists to come along to this event,’ said Chief Inspector Graham Horwood from the MPS Traffic Unit.
‘Far too often cyclists are killed or seriously injured in collisions with trucks. The frustrating and tragic thing is that they can be prevented through awareness on the part of both cyclists and LGV drivers.’
Aiming to lead in the way in the field of cyclist safety, CEMEX have instigated extensive driver training and fitted additional features to their vehicles to help make the drivers more aware of cyclists and to help the cyclists stay safe.
At the safety event, cyclists were shown the driver’s potential ‘blind area’ and the extra safety features on the vehicle. They were also encouraged to climb into the cab to learn about the area of visibility around a large vehicle from the driver’s perspective.
Prior to the event, the Met Police ticketed cyclists for road offences in the area but these were waived if the cyclist attended the event; a total of 96 cyclists came to Trafalgar Square on the day to learn more about safe cycling.
The most dangerous situation for cyclists is when they cycle along the nearside of large vehicles turning left. To alert them to this danger, a warning sign has been fitted to CEMEX vehicles on the rear nearside corner to highlight this hazard. Also, a large ‘Caution’ sign has been fitted along the left-hand side of the vehicle to further highlight this danger.
The Caution sign is complemented by sensors which activate a voice message for the cyclist as they pass alongside the vehicle, while visual and audible indicators in the cab warn the driver that there is movement on the nearside.
To help eliminate the blind spot at the nearside front corner of the vehicle, a series of three mirrors, including a ‘fish-eye’ lens, have been fitted. These are positioned using a special L-shaped mat, which is laid around the corner of the vehicle to represent the potential blind spot. The mat was used at the event to highlight this hazard to the cyclists.
‘The use of the CEMEX vehicle was an essential part of the day, and having your ticket cancelled was a great incentive for cyclists to come along to this event,’ said Chief Inspector Graham Horwood from the MPS Traffic Unit.
‘Far too often cyclists are killed or seriously injured in collisions with trucks. The frustrating and tragic thing is that they can be prevented through awareness on the part of both cyclists and LGV drivers.’
