Lorry drivers to spend half a day as a cyclist on the roads

However small a beginning, It's a start!

"Adapted bikes and trikes are available that can accommodate most of the impairments that disabled drivers have. "

And if they don't then there are e-bikes and mobility scooters, which would serve equally well.

@OldRidgeback

Why exempt drivers with a disability from compulsory cycle training?

Adapted bikes and trikes are available that can accommodate most of the impairments that disabled drivers have.

On the bus last night (27 from Warren Street to Notting Hill Gate for those that are interested) I was thinking that some bus drivers could benefit from this. There were several near misses with cyclists which were down to the drivers impatience (ironic really because he had to stop at one stop for a couple of minutes as he was too early). I've driven a bus as well so I know he could do better. I would not pass up the opportunity to drive an HGV, preferably an Eddie Stobart!

Make learner drivers ride a bike as part of their lessons. That way they could still travel independently on the roads before passing their tests. It would enhance their road sense as well as providing cycling instructors with employment, boosting the economy and making them more 'cycle aware' It surely would not be that difficult to implement. And would normalise cycling in everybody's eyes.

It's a great idea and a move in the right direction.

Cycle and motorcycle training should be compulsory for ALL vehicle drivers unless they have a disability. It would make a huge reduction in casualty figures for vulnerable road users. The scheme should require all vehicle drivers have to take the training within a set period, or lose their driving entitlement completely.

Taxi's are cars, why are they 5x more deadly than other cars?

been saying for the last 2 years that ALL motorists should have to ride 200 miles (or suitable distance) before they get their licence to see what lifes like for cyclists. Create jobstoo as need to be chaperoned by a 'real' rider to get the miles signed off. They could do 40 5 mile rides or 2 100 ones as long as they do it!!

Redbridge is (I think) the 7th London borough to implement an Exchanging Places programme. Cycle awareness is also to become part of the annual proficiency requirements for HGV drivers. Would be even better if it became part of the car driving test, too.

Can we also send some cyclists along with LGV's to show them how it feels to be along side one, squeezed at junctions.....etc

I suppose the cyclist riding in the cab could check the poor visibility of the HGV drivers mirrors and note that undertaking lorries on a bike is a dangerous thing...

Unfortunately sitting next to an HGV driver for a while the cyclist (and or pedestrian..) is unlikely to observe the primary reason for accidents involving HGV's: drivers texting on their mobiles, breaking the speed limit or turning off roads without signalling.

Generalisation? Possibly. But I would suggest that 30% of skip lorry drivers indulge in 2 out 3 of the above activities (sometimes simultaneously) on every journey they make.

It's primarily selfish, careless driving that needs to be addressed with regulation of both drivers and employers and serious prison time - not role playing to see each other's pain.

This can only be a good thing surely ..

0.1% with a car, but nearly 8% with LGVs? Blimey.

Sounds like a great idea, although I can just see a bunch of fat fellas riding slowly on sturdy mountain bikes going down a storm on a busy road. No doubt we'll get blamed for that as well!