Key information
Petition presented by: Valerie Shawcross
Date petition submitted: Wednesday 8 June 2011
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
"We the undersigned call upon the Mayor, as Chair of TfL, and the Members of the Greater London Authority to:
- Immediately install 'Trixi' mirrors at every A Road junction, starting with the A503, Camden Road, then move on to B Roads. Let's have London-wide safety for our cyclists, not a patchwork cover.
- Furthermore, immediately create bike boxes at every stopping point at this dangerous junction.
- Immediately begin work on designated, dedicated cycle routes across Camden so that cyclists have their own clearly defined and safe places to ride.
- Ensure that all London lorry drivers receive appropriate cycle-awareness training; we cannot have different standards for different boroughs.
- Enforce this: keep London lorry drivers who are not appropriately trained off London roads."
Response information
Name of person responding: The Mayor
Response date: Friday 15 July 2011
“As you are aware, cyclists’ safety is a top priority for me, the London Assembly and for Transport for London (TfL). In April 2010, I published my Cycle Safety Acton Plan. The plan outlines the 52 actions that I am determined to implement to reduce the number of collisions involving cyclists in London. The areas for action include safer infrastructure, training and information, communication, enforcement, regulation, technology and commercial driving and working practices.
“The plan contains a number of specific measures aimed at reducing conflict between cyclists and lorry drivers, as well as actions to improve infrastructure and conditions for cycling across London and can be viewed on the Transport for London website at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Cycling/Cycle-Safety-Ac...
“My response to each of the points in the petition is as follows:
• Immediately install ‘Trixi’ mirrors at every A Road junction starting with A503, Camden Road, then move to B Roads.
“Following a trail of ‘blind spot’ safety mirrors along Barclay’s Cycle Superhighway pilot routes, the roll out of mirrors on the other Barclay’s Cycle Superhighways has been approved by the Department of Transport (DfT). Therefore, TfL will be installing these mirrors on appropriate signalised junctions with traffic signals. This includes Barclay’s Superhighway routes 2 and 8 due to be launched this summer and will become standard on the Superhighways in future.
“We are continually monitoring the effectiveness of blind spot safety mirrors and evaluating the benefits they may bring. Early indications are that Trixi mirrors are delivering significant safety benefits. Before the DfT will approve a blanket roll out of this technology, however, they need evidence derived over a longer period of time. The introduction of more mirrors along the existing and new Barclay’s Cycle Superhighways will provide more information on their effectiveness. This evidence will be shared with the DfT and will inform the ongoing programme of cycle safety measures.
• Furthermore, immediately create bike boxes at every stopping point at this dangerous junction.
“TfL is carrying out a safety review of junction of Camden Road/St. Pancras Way, which is likely to result in new safety measures being implemented. In addition, TfL is undertaking investigations into locations for Advanced Stop Lines at junctions along Camden Road.
• Immediately begin work on designated, dedicated cycle routes across Camden so that cyclists have their own clearly defined and safe places to ride.
“I am a keen supporter of providing clearly defined infrastructure for cyclists across London. The creation of the Barclay’s Cycle Superhighways programme is one example. In addition, boroughs are encouraged to use funds provided under their Local Implementation Plans for cycle improvements across their own areas. I can confirm that the London Borough of Camden have made provision for cycle improvements under the Corridor and Neighbourhood sections of their Local Implementation Plan from 2011 to 2014.
• Ensure that all London lorry drivers receive appropriate cycle-awareness training.
“TfL is working with freight operators to improve the quality of lorry drivers’ cycle safety awareness through the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS). FORS includes an accredited cycle-awareness training module that is part of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Over the last year, TfL has trained 700 drivers on its CPC ‘Safer Driving London’ course. This course focuses on raising awareness of vulnerable road users, including cyclists, amongst lorry drivers.
“TfL is also working with the freight industry to research and fit appropriate safety devices to lorries, alter delivery times where possible to avoid peak periods, and to provide cyclist awareness information to their drivers, including specific cycle safety training.
• Enforce this: keep London lorry drivers who are not appropriately trained off London roads.
“All drivers, including lorry drivers, are governed through EU and national legislation; this is directly influenced by the DfT. TfL is actively engaged with the DfT and all freight trade associations to improve the recognition of safety in all aspects of driver training and licensing.
“My desire to increase levels of cycling in London cannot be achieved without adequate consideration of cyclists’ safety, improved cycling infrastructure and ensuring all road users are adequately trained. TfL and I are committed to ensuring there is continued investment in the delivery of cycle safety initiatives to reduce all collisions involving cyclists on London’s roads.”