MPA has reaffirmed its commitment to cyclist safety and has welcomed The Times’ Cities fit for Cycling campaign, which broadly aligns with MPA’s Cycle Safe campaign and 6 Point Plan. MPA's Cycle Safe campaign aims to prevent collisions between cyclists and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) by raising awareness on both sides of how to cycle and drive safely.

MPA's 6-Point Action Plan:

1. Promote Driver and Industry Awareness
2. Promote Cyclist and Public Awareness
3. Improve Driver Training
4. Encourage Members to use Appropriate Technological Adaptations to Minimise Risks to Cyclists and Exchange Experience
5. Liaise with Schools
6. Work in Partnership

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive MPA said: “Our sector is committed to playing its part in minimising hazards and risks for all road users and we support the objectives of The Times’ Cities fit for Cycling campaign to prevent accidents involving cyclists and other road users.

"We have carried out, and are planning, a number of actions in support of Cyclist Safety via our 6 Point Plan, which is at the forefront of our strategy. In particular, we are developing an approved industry training course focussed specifically on reducing collisions between industry vehicles and vulnerable road users, including cyclists.”

The high profile launch of MPA's national Cycle Safe campaign took place at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, London, on Wednesday 15 June, where we supported the Metropolitan Police's 'Exchanging Places' event.

The event was highly successful with very positive feedback from the cyclists who participated, as well as the MPA members involved, the Metropolitan Police, the London Cycling Campaign, Transport for London and a London Assembly champion of safe cycling in the capital.

A video documenting the launch of Cycle Safe at Wellington Arch and highlighting the purpose of the campaign can be watched on MPA's YouTube channel here.

Four MPA members companies - Day Aggregates, London Concrete, Brett Group and CEMEX - provided lorries for the 'Exchanging Places' event: cyclists were given the opportunity to get inside the vehicles to see what visibility is like from the driver’s cab and discuss how to avoid accidents with a Met police officer.

MPA also distributed free high visibility vests and safety leaflets to all cyclists who got into the vehicles to discuss safety issues.

Key endorsements and supportive quotes from the day were:

Chief Inspector Ian Vincent, Metropolitan Police:

"With the Mineral Products Association we've actually been able to put four vehicles in together, from four different companies, to highlight the safety concerns for cyclists going down the nearside of large vehicles and it is also heartening to know that all of these companies sign up to educating their drivers around the dangers posed by cyclists going down the nearside, especially at left hand turns. So for us, it is a fantastic opportunity to work together."

Stephen Steele, Freight and Fleet Manager, Transport for London's FORS team:

"The MPA has been an absolute stalwart in promoting cycle safety amongst its members - in fact, this campaign today is fully supported by Transport for London."

Charlie Lloyd, Campaigns Officer, London Cycling Campaign:

"We get very positive feedback from cyclists getting into lorry cabs (...). People who have done it say they don't realize how high up the driver is or what the other concerns of the driver are - it's excellent training for cyclists.

“LCC are also running a campaign to reduce road danger from LGVs and we support events such as this which provide cyclists with the most accurate and up to date information on riding safely around lorries. We are keen to work wherever possible with all road freight sectors to reduce road danger.”

Jenny Jones, Green Party Member of the London Assembly and candidate for Mayor of London:

"As somebody who's elected here in London, it's incredibly important for me that London is a safe city to cycle in and I think this is where the MPA campaign can have the most impact. The number of our cyclists is increasing every day so making them safe is crucial for keeping London running."

To read the press release on the launch of MPA's Cycle Safe campaign click here

To read the press release on the successful pilot Cycle Safe event which was run in Oxford prior to the launch - click here.

Contacts

Hilary Arrowsmith: hilary.arrowsmith@mineralproducts.org

Elizabeth Clements: elizabeth.clements@mineralproducts.org

Jerry Mclaughlin: jerry.mclaughlin@mineralproducts.org

Tel: 020 7963 8000