Cycle Safe campaign returns to Cambridge
MPA and Hanson host second successful Cycle Safe event at Cambridge University Freshers’ Fair
LAST week the Mineral Products Association (MPA) ran another successful Cycle Safe event at Cambridge University Freshers’ Fair, with support from Hanson UK.
The event formed part of the MPA’s national Cycle Safe campaign to prevent collisions between cyclists and lorries, and highlighted to students and members of the public where to position themselves safely on the roads in relation to large goods vehicles (LGVs).
More than 100 cyclists and potential cyclists climbed on board the cement tanker provided by Hanson to see what visibility was like from inside the driver’s cab, and gave very positive feedback about the experience.
The MPA has been running its national Cycle Safe campaign, which includes outreach work, since 2011. Last year, the Association also launched its Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Policy, which has introduced additional driver training and vehicle safety equipment requirements for members to improve the safety of vulnerable road users.
Nigel Jackson, chief executive of the MPA, said: ‘The MPA is very pleased to have been able to highlight how to keep safe on the roads for the second year running at Cambridge University Freshers’ Fair, in liaison with Hanson.
‘Ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists, is a key commitment for the MPA, reinforced by the launch of our Vulnerable Road User Safety Policy last year. We believe it is essential that all parties work together to make our roads safer and the MPA has been liaising with drivers, companies, cyclists, police and regulators.’
The MPA Cycle Safe campaign is guided by a six-point action plan focused on promoting driver and industry awareness, promoting cyclist and public awareness, improving driver training, encouraging members to use appropriate technological adaptations to minimize risks to cyclists and exchange experience, liaising with schools, and working in partnership.
As part of this effort, the Association has also been pressing government to ensure that local and national roads are better maintained and road and junction design enhances VRU safety.
According to the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group’s ‘Get Britain Cycling Report’, Cambridge is the flagship city of cycling in Britain, making it an excellent location for the Cycle Safe event.
This year, statistics from the Department for Transport revealed that 47% of adults in Cambridge cycle at least once a week and 25% of adults in the city cycle a minimum of five times every week.
David Weeks, communications manager with Hanson UK, said: ‘Our vehicles are fitted with on-board cameras, warning signage and other safety devices, but our advice to cyclists is to stay well clear and never try and pass a truck on the near side.’
