There were 59 pedal cyclists seriously injured in 2014 in Northern Ireland, which is 17 more than 2013 and is at the highest level since that of 1995 when 68 were recorded. A total of three cyclists were killed in 2014 – two of whom involved collisions with lorries.
“As the number of cyclists increase, we’ve seen a rise in casualties, particularly involving lorries,” said Karen Mawhinney, Sustrans cycling skills co-ordinator in Northern Ireland. “Sustrans is pleased to work with the FTA on a training programme and awareness campaign to ensure both drivers and cyclists can safely share road space.”
Having piloted the course with 10 Belfast City Council drivers at the end of June, it is now being rolled out further. Last week’s one-day Driver CPC accredited course saw more drivers get on bikes to experience the road from a cyclist’s perspective.
“We represent 14,000 members in the UK who operate over 200,000 commercial goods vehicles which is around half of the UK fleet,” said FTA’s Seamus Leheny.
“Our members take road safety awareness very seriously and are working hard to reduce the fatalities involving lorries on the road.
“Under the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, lorry drivers in London must have taken accredited courses in cyclist awareness in order for their company to operate in the capital.”
To download safety tips for both drivers and cyclists go to www.fta.co.uk/export/sites/fta/_galleries/downloads/cycling/final-sustrans_lorrycycliststips_leaflet_print.pdf