Cyclist Awareness Training for LGV / HGV drivers – pt 2

The Chief Executive of Crossail, Rob Holden, says that the safety of all road users, be they cyclists, lorry drivers, car drivers or pedestrians, is of “paramount importance” to the company. This is why he is making the truck driver training compulsory for any drivers who fit those parameters.

The training has been specifically designed to incorporate the particular routes that Crossrail’s drivers will be using, by including the busiest points on routes as examples in the training. It has also been intentionally started well before the main period of construction, in order that drivers are trained before they will be using the routes regularly while carrying heavy loads.

74 professional HGV drivers have completed the Cyclist Awareness Training to date, and all who complete the course will receive a unique Crossrail ID badge.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, says:

“Crossrail will bring huge benefits to the capital, and this initiative encouraging lorry drivers to look out cyclists is another example of our effort to keep the impact of construction to a minimum.

“Cycling in London is getting safer but with so many new cyclists taking to the streets it is imperative that those building London’s visionary new railway move around our streets with the utmost care. As someone who regularly cycles, and hears other cyclists talk of their experiences, it is clear that every action to cut the risk from lorries should be warmly welcomed.”

The training teaches drivers to stay alert and be aware of cyclists, particularly at junctions, heavy traffic points and corners. They are all given a Fresnel lens to fit on the near side window of the driver’s cab to help see more accurately down the near side of their vehicle.