Transport News
Cyclists learn from a driver's view
A Police road safety day gave cyclists crucial information that could save them from death or serious injury under the wheels of a lorry.
The event outside Kingsland Fire Station, E8, aimed to educate cyclists about the dangers of turning lorries – if a bike is on the nearside of a lorry when it changes direction, drivers cannot always see them.
Cyclists were invited to position their bikes alongside a stationary lorry, then sit inside the cab to see the driver’s view.
PS Richard Golding said: “Last year half of all cyclists killed on the streets of London were involved in collisions with lorries changing direction.
“We’ve chosen Kingsland Road as unfortunately several accidents have occurred here in recent years, and it attracts a large number of cyclists commuting to and from work. This was a great opportunity for us not only to speak to them, but for cyclists to see the danger for themselves.”
Superintendent Mark Bird of Hackney Police, added: “It’s inevitable the construction of the Olympics site has led to an increase in haulage vehicles. There's no getting away from the fact that lorries must share the road with cyclists.
“The safest option to cyclists is to hang back, because you cannot guarantee where the lorry driver's blindspot will be."
The event on 17 September was supported by the Council and London Cycling Campaign.
New ranger ready to ride
Cyclists, joggers and walkers on the Regent’s Canal can feel safer with the introduction of London’s first ever tow path ranger.
Joseph Young’s new post has been created to help combat the increasing conflict between towpath users.
Rising petrol prices and environmental concerns have encouraged greater numbers of commuters to cycle, while the credit crunch has turned even more on to pedal power, with exercisers also quitting the gym to walk or run for free.
The increase in bicycle traffic is largely positive, but it’s feared a minority don’t appreciate that the path is a shared resource.
British Waterways – which maintains the path – has reported more than ten incidents of cyclists hitting pedestrians at speed since January.
So they created the London ranger post to encourage cyclists and pedestrians to share the towpath amicably and promote the ‘two-tings’ bell ringing campaign.
Joseph, himself a keen cyclist, said: I’m all too aware that sometimes I just want to get to my destination quickly, but the narrow towpaths, designed for a completely different use over 200 years ago, aren’t really the place to travel at top speeds.”
He will also be monitoring the state of the towpath surface and canal infrastructure, ensuring repairs happen where necessary and suggesting commuter-friendly upgrades to the Victorian network of waterways.
Art on the Underground
Hackney will host a major exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic Tube logo, the Roundel.
From 8 to 30 October, Rochelle School in Shoreditch will see a unique display of work by a hundred artists, inspired by the Roundel design, called Art on the Underground.
There will also be a chance to buy your own work of art and hear artists explain their approach to the work.
Tamsin Dillon, head of Art on the Underground, said: “The ambition for this project is to open the doors to a broad spectrum of interpretations of the famous Tube brand, aiming to be both a celebration of its heritage and a vision for its future.”
The Rochelle School is at Arnold Circus, E2. For further details call: 020 7027 8694 or email: art@tube.tfl.gov.uk.
Police swoop on uninsured drivers
Police in the borough have responded to a change in the Road Traffic Act that allows them to crack down on uninsured vehicles.
Five vehicles were seized during a four-hour Operation Reclaim at Clapton Common, E5, and Homerton Road, E9, on 12 September.
More than 40 vehicles were stopped, with seven drivers reported for having no insurance, and two for driving other than in accordance with a license.
Hackney Operations Superintendent, Mark Bird, said: “Aside from the road safety element, Operation Reclaim has been proven to reduce crime and the feedback from motorists stopped has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The message is getting through that if you don’t drive in accordance with the law in Hackney, we will take action against you.”
On your bike from the best
Bike enthusiasts can tap Olympic stars Nicole Cook and Paul Manning (below) for their knowledge and experience at Britain’s biggest cycle show.
Cycle 2008 is open to the public at Earl’s Court, SW5, from 10 to 12 October. As well as a chance to see all kinds of cycles, it’s an ideal opportunity to stock up on kit to keep you warm through the winter months. Tickets cost ’11 in advance. For further info visit: www.cycleshow.co.uk.
Page updated: 8 Oct 2008