In June 2011 the UK's Freight Transport Association (FTA) launched a Cycling Code designed to reduce the number of collisions between commercial vehicles and cyclists.
The Cycling Code provides a toolkit for three cyclists, drivers/operators and employers. The code was developed by FTA in cooperation with the London Cycle Campaign, the Metropolitan Police, the Institute of Advanced Motorists and Transport for London.
Cycling in London has doubled in the last ten years and the Mayor’s objective is to see it increase fourfold in the next ten. Road space will not increase at all over that period so measures to promote harmonious sharing of the road are essential.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Director of Environment and Digital, said: “Large freight vehicles top many cyclists' list of potential hazards when they are out on the road. That is why it is good news that a Cycling Code has now been written by the association for freight drivers, and is also backed by some key operators. Their commitment to investing in driver training and improving safety features on their vehicles can only help make the capital’s roads safer for cyclists.”
FTA is inviting other operators and cyclists’ organisations to add their support to the Cycling Code and will be working with TfL and other local authorities around the country to promote awareness of the Code widely in London and across the UK.