New traffic light mirrors to save cyclists

Traffic lights in London are to be fitted with mirrors to enable lorry drivers to see cyclists that might be in their blind spots.

60 per cent of the cyclists killed in London last year and all of those fatally injured so far this year were in collision with a lorry. In most cases the lorry was turning left and the driver failed to see the cyclist.

The mirrors are designed to reduce the chance of this happening by allowing the driver a view of anyone just below the front of the cab or between the lorry and the kerb.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, is investing heavily in cycling and was almost injured by a lorry himself earlier this month.

The risk to cyclists from lorries

Lorries built since 2000 now have to be equipped with European-standard safety mirrors, but the London Assembly wants this to be extended to the estimated 100,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) built before 2000.

Large lorries in towns pose a disproportionately high risk to cyclists. Of particular danger is the left-turning lorry the driver of which may not see a cyclist in his near side mirror. Safety mirrors work by minimizing a lorry’s blind spot.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Construction work for the 2012 Olympics has brought with it a dramatic increase in the number of large lorries on London streets so it is vital that cyclists are protected. This is not just about safety mirrors, but better road design and reduced traffic speed. ”

How can cyclists stay safe?

The best piece of advice for cyclists in towns and cities is to give lorries, coaches and buses a wide berth. At junctions and side turnings be aware of lorries approaching from behind on the road that may be about to turn left and at lights do not position yourself directly in front of large vehicles – the driver may pull away without having seen you.

Do cyclists need insurance?

According to research only 2 per cent of cyclists have adequate insurance. You may be covered on your household insurance policy, but read the small print. Spend a little time doing research before you buy cycle insurance as some providers offer much more for your money. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products and campaigns for sustainable transport – when you buy our services you help fund our charitable work.