Cycle safety toolkit. A guide for fleet managers MAYOR OF LONDON. Transport for London

Transcription

1 Cycle safety toolkit A guide for fleet managers MAYOR OF LONDON Transport for London

2

3 Contents 4 Introduction 6 Cycle safety in London the context Some facts and statistics that show why it is important for drivers and cyclists to share the road safely. 8 What s being done to reduce collisions TfL has a range of initiatives to encourage safer driving and cycling in the Capital. 12 Tools for fleet operators An overview of the eight tools which will help fleet operators reduce the risk of their vehicles being in a collision with a cyclist Tool one: Tips for drivers Some straightforward tips tackling the most common causes of collisions between cyclists and commercial vehicles. Tool two: A clear policy Guidance on developing a clear policy which outlines your organisation s commitment to sharing the road safely with vulnerable road users. Tool three: Improvements to your fleet An overview of the technology available to enhance the safety of your vehicles, including details of the steps other organisations have taken to improve. 39 Tool four: Training Details of the various types of training available for your drivers and how they can be implemented Tool five: An internal campaign This tool explains how to engage your staff and encourage drivers to prioritise cycle safety. Tool six: Information about other vulnerable road users While this toolkit focuses on cyclists, there are other road users who are also vulnerable. Tool seven: A checklist Make sure that you haven t missed anything with this checklist, including specific actions using each tool. Tool eight: Materials to help See the range of materials that are available. You will find some examples in this pack, including a tax disc holder, booklet and posters. FORS@tfl.gov.uk to order multiple copies. Cycle safety toolkit 3

4 Introduction This toolkit offers practical advice to help you minimise the risk of collisions between your vehicles and vulnerable road users on the Capital s roads. The term vulnerable road users refers to pedestrians, motorcycle and scooter riders, older and disabled people. While using this toolkit will improve safety for all vulnerable road users, the tools and information focus predominantly on cyclists. This is because increasing numbers of people are cycling around London, whether they are commuters or tourists, using their own bikes or the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme. While the rate of collisions is falling, they do still occur. Every year, cyclists are involved in collisions with vehicles resulting in fatalities and life-changing injuries. The impact isn t restricted to cyclists and their families. The consequences are felt by drivers, their families and of course the organisations they work for which suffer financial and reputational damage, as well as the emotional effects. Transport for London (TfL) is working hard to encourage commercial vehicle drivers and cyclists to share the road safely. This toolkit is one of several resources to help fleet operators identify how they can reduce the risk of their vehicles being involved in a collision. The toolkit was developed in conjunction with members of TfL s Cycle Safety Working Group, including: Cyclists Touring Club Freight Transport Association London Cycling Campaign Mineral Products Association Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Cycle Task Force Road Haulage Association RoadPeace Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited Sustrans We hope you find the toolkit useful. Get in touch by ing FORS@tfl.gov.uk if you have any questions about the content, or would like any further support. 4 Introduction

5 Cycle safety toolkit 5

6 Cycle safety in London the context The Mayor wants London to be a cyclised city, where people can ride their bikes safely in a pleasant environment. With unprecedented investment in cycling, TfL and its partners are working to make this a reality. Achieving the overall vision also presents challenges, however, with cycle safety a key concern. Although collision rates continue to fall in proportion to the vast increase in the number of people cycling, any cyclist being injured on London s roads is one too many. As these figures demonstrate, cyclists and goods vehicle drivers, in particular, need to work together to share the road safely. Increasing cycle journeys More and more people are getting on their bikes. In 2011, there were 570,000 daily Vehicles involved in cycle fatalities cyclists were killed in collisions with goods vehicles or other large commercial vehicles All vehicles Goods vehicles Key: Goods vehicle Heavy Goods vehicle > 7.5t Medium Goods vehicle 3.5t 7.5t 6 The context

7 A disproportionate number of construction vehicles are involved in collisions with cyclists cycle journeys on average a 79 per cent increase on By 2026, we want five per cent of all journeys in London to be made by bike a 400 per cent increase compared to journey figures in A safer cycling city... The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured as a proportion of overall cyclist numbers fell by 55 per cent between 2001 and 2010 on the Transport for London Road Network (the red routes)....though we still have work to do The majority of cyclist fatalities in London in recent years were the result of a collision with a goods vehicle, as shown below Common collision causes Collisions between cyclists and goods vehicles often occur when: Drivers are turning left Cyclists and drivers fail to allow enough space for each other Cyclists and drivers do not look properly and misjudge each other s path or speed Light Goods vehicle < 3.5t Skip lorry Refuse lorry Concrete mixer Other vehicles Cycle safety toolkit 7

8 What s being done to reduce collisions TfL encourages users of all transport modes to share the road responsibly. Enforcement, training, educational campaigns and engineering activity are aimed at all road users, including cyclists, drivers and fleet operators. The Mayor s Cycle Safety Action Plan identifies how TfL will help ensure the growth of cycling in London is accompanied by a reduced rate of cycling casualties. The plan highlights two areas of focus: Reducing the number of cyclists killed or injured in collisions with goods vehicles Reducing collisions as a result of cyclists and other road users failing to give each other enough space TfL works with both fleet operators and cyclists to address these two areas. Some of these activities are outlined here. For fleet operators Education As of January 2013, 1,900 operators had registered with TfL s Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) which means they receive toolkits, advice and regular communications to help them improve their safety measures. Find out more about registering with FORS on page 71. An HGV technology trial looked at the range of equipment available on the market and its suitability for different vehicles and operations. You can request more details about the results of the trial by ing FORS@tfl.gov.uk. Offers and discounts on this technology are available for FORSregistered companies (see page 70 for details). Around 25,000 Fresnel lenses (which are attached to the vehicle window to help reduce the driver s blind spot directly below the nearside door) have been distributed to operators through FORS. FORS is working with public sector organisations to encourage responsible procurement practices, including contracts which require driver training around cycle 8 What's being done

9 Enforcement The Metropolitan Police Service s (MPS s) Commercial Vehicle Unit carries out enforcement against drivers and operators to tackle dangerous, hazardous or careless driving. They investigate every personal injury collision involving a large goods vehicle (3.5 tonnes and above) and, if necessary, visit companies, drivers and operators to promote initiatives such as FORS, Driver CPC training, manager safety workshops and vehicle safety technology. safety, improved safety features and FORS registration. This toolkit has been funded by TfL to help educate fleet operators and drivers. Training TfL has worked with the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) and the Driving Standards Agency to create two modules in the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) syllabus focused on vulnerable road user safety. As of November 2012, more than 6,000 drivers had attended these modules. You can find out more about this and other training on page 40. Engineering Trixi Mirrors (which are convex, fitted to traffic lights and allow lorry drivers to see cyclists and pedestrians on their nearside) have been installed along the Barclays Cycle Superhighways. Their presence indicates large numbers of cyclists will be in the area, so drivers should be especially vigilant when they see them. Managers within FORS-registered companies are offered training to become FORS practitioners and to obtain the nationallyrecognised level 3 qualification (Qualification and Credit Framework) in Safe, Green and Efficient Fleet Management. Cycle safety toolkit 9

10 For cyclists Education Exchanging Places events invite cyclists to sit in the driver s seat of an HGV or bus to get a better understanding of what the driver can and can t see. In the 12 months to November 2012, more than 2,000 cyclists took part in the events run by the MPS and the City of London Police. There are 12 cycle safety tips at tfl.gov.uk/ cycling. They include advice to stay back when near large vehicles and to wear bright or reflective clothing for visibility. Users of Barclays Cycle Hire bikes are required to sign up to the Cycle Hire Code of Conduct and a list of dos and don ts has been compiled to help users cycle safely around London. The code includes information about wearing the right equipment and watching out for other road users. Cyclists are expected to follow the same rules in the Highway Code as other road users and TfL promotes various aspects of this through its communications with cyclists. Training Most London boroughs offer free or subsidised cycle training and advanced commuter cycling skills courses, funded by TfL. In 2011/12, 8,627 adults received training. Contact your local borough if you would like more information about cycle training. TfL s Barclays Cycle Superhighways funded 1,191 adult cycle training sessions in 2011/12. Enforcement TfL funds the MPS Cycle Task Force, where officers patrol on bikes engaging with and educating all road users, and taking action against cyclists and other road users who behave illegally on London s roads. The Cycle Task Force issued 10,173 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to cyclists in 2011 and 11,691 FPNs to cyclists in 2010, for offences including cycling on pavements, contravening red traffic signals, or lights not being used when cycling in the dark. Cyclists given an FPN for less serious offences may be offered the option of paying a reduced penalty in return for completing an online cycle safety training package. 10 What's being done

11 Engineering TfL and the London boroughs have delivered an extensive network of cycling routes to provide easy and safer passage for cyclists through the Capital. The network is made up of a broad range of cycling routes catering for the varying requirements of cyclists. These range from Barclays Cycle Superhighways for fast-moving commuter cyclists, to quiet backstreet routes for local journeys and off-road routes for leisure and family cycling. TfL has completed an initial review of more than 500 junctions and has now identified 100 priority locations (based on factors such as collision data). The results of the review will be ready by the end of Improvements are already planned for 35 priority junctions, and a further 15 schemes on Barclays Cycle Superhighways and the Transport for London Road Network (the red routes) by the end of Barclays Cycle Superhighways are cycle routes running from Outer London into central London. They give cyclists safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city. Cycle safety toolkit 11

12 Tools for fleet operators Taking action now could mean you prevent a collision. This could not only save the life of a vulnerable road user, but also protect your company from the associated financial and reputational losses. There are eight tools in this toolkit which will help you to reduce the risk of collisions between your vehicles and vulnerable road users: Tool one: Tool two: Tool three: Tool four: Tool five: Tool six: Tool seven: Tool eight: Tips for drivers A clear policy Improvements to your fleet Training An internal campaign Information about other vulnerable road users A checklist Materials to help 12 Tools for fleet operators

13 Tips for drivers

14

15 1 Tips for drivers These tips have been developed by looking at the causes of collisions between cyclists and vehicles. The tips form the basis of the driver briefing (page 50) and the set of posters you will find included in this pack. You can adapt the tips to make them relevant for your staff. For example, if your routes are not planned by drivers, you might want to take that section out of the information you give to drivers and use it to engage with your route planners instead. Cycle safety toolkit 15

16 Before you travel Prepare yourself Refresh your knowledge of the Highway Code If you need glasses (or contact lenses) to meet the Highway Code s minimum vision standards, you must wear them at all times while driving Set your phone to voic Plan your journey If you can t avoid cyclist commuter routes, try to travel at less busy times Be particularly vigilant around schools Check your vehicle (MIST) Complete a walk-round check to ensure that: Mirrors are clean, correctly adjusted and set to minimise blind spots Indicators are working, clean and can be seen Signs for cyclists are clean and easily visible Technology, including Fresnel lenses, side proximity sensors, blind spot cameras and sideguards, is fitted correctly, working and clean 16 Tips for drivers

17 While driving Look out for cyclists Keep checking for cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists who may weave through stationary traffic Check your mirrors for cyclists before you indicate, vary your speed or change direction Keep scanning your mirrors when approaching junctions in case a cyclist enters your blind spot Before pulling away from junctions look over the dashboard (even if you have a Class VI mirror fitted) and try to make eye contact with cyclists so they know you ve seen them Check your nearside blind spot every time you turn left Check over your shoulder for cyclists before opening your door to ensure it doesn t open into their path Indicate clearly and in good time Indicate your intentions clearly when turning or changing lanes, even if you don t think anyone is near you Indicate in good time to allow others to react Turn off your indicator once you have completed your manoeuvre to avoid giving false information to others Leave space Give cyclists plenty of space so that they can manoeuvre to avoid potholes, drain covers or car doors When overtaking, give cyclists and motorcyclists at least as much space as you would a car Do not cross stop lines or encroach on Advanced Stop Lines Cycle lanes are for cyclists; do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line while it is operational, or drive or park in one marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable Cycle safety toolkit 17

18

19 A clear policy

20

21 2 A clear policy To effectively initiate and maintain a vulnerable road user safety culture in the workplace, you need to write and communicate your company policy. You will also need to ensure that it is kept up to date. The policy will help clarify your organisation s approach and ensure that senior managers are signed up to it. Attitudes towards vulnerable road users can vary among your drivers. Having a clear-cut policy in place, and making sure it s communicated effectively, makes it known where your company stands. You can use this policy information as the basis for guidance on vulnerable road users in your driver handbooks. Cycle safety toolkit 21

22 It is important to think about the following points when developing the policy: Carry out a documented risk assessment of the company s activities to identify areas for improvement Find out whether your industry or trade association is engaged in any vulnerable road user activity and can assist you Make use of the additional advice and information on cycle safety at The sample policy text on the next page is designed to fit within a wider policy. Some of the points will not be relevant to your organisation pick and choose the elements you require to make a policy appropriate to your operation. Similarly, the driver s sample policy text should be used in any relevant materials, such as a driver s handbook. Use the suggested text on the following pages to produce a vulnerable road users policy demonstrating the company s commitment. This could include: Implementing a system for recording and investigating all incidents and near-misses An explicit policy for post-collision procedure Considering vehicle suitability and routing to avoid hotspots, where possible Getting involved in educating cyclists by working with the Exchanging Places scheme and offering a lorry and a driver for an event. Find out more by ing CycleTaskForce@met.police.uk. This could be good publicity and could help prevent your company being involved in a collision 22 A clear policy

23 Vulnerable road users sample policy text [Enter your company name] s vehicles share the roads with many other road users, some of whom are at a far greater risk than others. We recognise that some of these road users may warrant special consideration and greater vigilance in order to protect their safety and wellbeing. [Enter your company name] aims to avoid all collisions involving other road users, by adhering to the simple precautions outlined in this procedure. Driver s sample policy text As a driver, you have a duty of care to share the road safely with all road users. This is particularly vital within the urban environment where vulnerable road users are at a greater risk. For a full sample policy, visit [Enter your company name] has identified the significant risks from our operations involving transport activities (including the safety of vulnerable road users) and has put in place procedures to reduce these risks. Owing to the variable factors involved, no single measure is enough to completely ensure safety. Cycle safety toolkit 23

24

25 Improvements to your fleet

26

27 3 Improvements to your fleet Making practical improvements to your vehicles will show that your organisation is serious about sharing the road safely with vulnerable road users. The following pages outline the pros and cons of some of the technology and equipment available to help you decide what is best for your fleet. Discounts on a range of safety technology are available to FORS-accredited companies at Cycle safety toolkit 27

28 Try before you invest You ll want to ensure that any investment you make in technology is going to be worthwhile. Trialling equipment on some of your vehicles before rolling it out across the fleet can provide reassurance about its effectiveness and help identify any modifications required. Make sure you fully brief the driver(s) before the equipment is fitted, outline the expectations and document the feedback. Keep the drivers and other staff informed about the trial, feedback and lessons learnt. Payback calculator TfL s technology payback calculator can help you produce a business case for investing in cycle safety technology. It calculates the amount of money your organisation could save by introducing improvements such as side proximity sensors and awareness markings, which might result in fewer collisions with vulnerable road users. It also takes into account secondary benefits such as reduced vehicle damage. The calculator estimates the time it will take to recoup your investment in any safety technology through the associated reduced collision costs. It will help you weigh up the financial costs and the benefits of fitting the equipment and could be an essential tool in presenting the case to your company directors or financial group for buying and using safety technology. Download the calculator from 28 Improvements to your fleet

29 What s available There are a number of practical improvements that you could make to minimise the risk of your vehicles being involved in a collision with cyclists. With regular advances in technology, make sure you stay up to date to benefit from the latest improvements. Fresnel lenses Description A clear, thin plastic lens that is press-fitted to a lorry window on the nearside to allow the driver to see if anything is in their blind spot in the vicinity of the nearside door. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit Minimal. Price band Advantages Cheap, quick and easy to fit with minimal ongoing maintenance. Disadvantages Minimal, although they can fall off and cannot be used if the nearside window is open. Cycle safety toolkit 29

30 Sideguards Description Metal barriers fitted to the side of a vehicle between each axle to help prevent vulnerable road users getting dragged under the wheels of the vehicle (also known as under-run protection). Sideguards have been a legal requirement in the UK on certain large goods vehicles and trailers since the 1980s, and compliance checks are included as part of the statutory annual roadworthiness test. Some vehicle types are exempt from the legal requirement to have sideguards fitted. Stickers Description Applied to the rear of the vehicle to remind cyclists of the potential dangers of passing. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit Minimal. Price band 1 5. Advantages Cheap, quick and easy to fit and replace if necessary. Disadvantages A cyclist may not be able to see the sticker if it is not cleaned regularly. Posters may also be less impactful than other measures, such as audible warnings. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit Approximately two hours, depending on the vehicle and dimensions of each sideguard. Price band 400 1,500. Advantages Sideguards are relatively cheap and low-tech, so capital and maintenance costs are minimal. Sideguards are effective; one in three cycle fatalities in London are from collisions with left-turning HGVs, and research has shown that HGVs without sideguards are involved in a disproportionately large number of fatal collisions with cyclists. Disadvantages Few, although sideguards can get damaged, particularly on uneven ground. Care must be taken to ensure the sideguard does not interfere with the mechanism of the vehicle (eg on tippers and mixers). 30 Improvements to your fleet

31 Class VI mirrors Description A front-mounted, wide-view mirror that helps provide a view of the blind spot at the front of the driver s cab (also known as a Cyclops mirror). Since 2007, all HGVs of more than 7.5 tonnes Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) are fitted with a suite of mirrors, including a Class VI mirror, to reduce blind spots around the vehicle where the driver has limited or no visibility. The mirror has the potential to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from collisions between HGVs and cyclists or pedestrians. From 1 October 2012, all HGVs of more than 7.5 tonnes DGVW must be equipped with a Class VI mirror to fulfil the requirements of Directive 2003/97/EC. From 2014, new vehicles will be equipped as standard with a new mirror providing improved vision on the nearside. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit Minimal (dependant on vehicle age). Price band Advantages The driver s elevated position in the cab makes it difficult to see vulnerable road users situated directly in front of the vehicle. The Class VI mirror addresses the blind spot. Disadvantages Minimal, as the mirror is unobtrusive and initial capital outlay and ongoing maintenance costs are low. Older vehicles may incur additional fitment costs. Cycle safety toolkit 31

32 Awareness markings Description Markings that increase vehicles visibility, particularly outside daylight hours (also known as retro-reflective/or conspicuity markings). Markings should be a specific colour depending on their position on the vehicle (eg rear markings must be red or yellow; side markings must be yellow or white). The Department for Transport (DfT) has produced a guidance document Conspicuity marking requirements on goods vehicles which should be adhered to. From July 2011, newly-approved HGVs, all newly-registered HGVs with a mass of more than 7.5 tonnes and trailers with a mass of more than 3.5 tonnes operating in the UK, are required to fit retro-reflective safety markings. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit Minimal. Price band Advantages Vehicle visibility is improved without the need for any kind of power; light from the headlamps of approaching vehicles is simply reflected back. Therefore, they are effective even when a vehicle is parked. Reflective vehicle markings help prevent accidents and save lives, reduce vehicle downtime and repairs, protect employees on the road and in the depot, and present a more professional image to customers. Disadvantages Minimal, as initial capital outlay and ongoing maintenance costs are low. Blind spot cameras Description Cameras outside the vehicle which relay images of the areas close by to a monitor in the cab. Drivers observe the monitor when it is safe to do so and take action where necessary. Cameras can be fixed all round the vehicle, although it is common for the nearside blind spot to be targeted. They can also be fixed to the trailer providing a view along the length of the trailer, even when the vehicle is turning. The most sophisticated camera systems allow remote viewing of footage from the depot and can record footage for playback at a later date, to help determine responsibility if a collision occurs. Availability Depends on fleet size and requirements. 32 Improvements to your fleet

33 Case study Time to fit Two hours to a day, depending on product. Price band 600 3,000 depending on manufacturer. Advantages The nature of the object in the blind spot can be determined immediately. Footage can be recorded and used to determine responsibility when an incident occurs. Insurance companies can offer reductions on premiums for operators who have fitted this technology. Disadvantages Cameras are expensive and incur ongoing maintenance costs. In addition, it costs more to repair a damaged camera than other systems so a business case may need to be made when considering installation of such technology. Some operators also consider the presence of an in-cab monitor distracting for drivers. The Brett Group has successfully trialled and fitted blind spot cameras to 50 vehicles in its fleet over the past two years. Brett Concrete has 18 plants in the UK and operates a fleet of truck mixers. The Brett Group has an ongoing commitment to vehicle safety improvements to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. As part of this, a pair of blind spot cameras has now been fitted to the cabs of all Brett Concrete s vehicles. Brett Concrete has also fitted side alarms to its mixers. When the left indicator is selected, the alarm plays an audible warning: This Brett vehicle is turning left. The company chose this bespoke warning because it was deemed to be more effective at warning nearby cyclists than a generic alarm. Paul Sheekey, Transport Coordinator for Brett Concrete, said: These improvements give our drivers more confidence on inner city roads, where cyclists and pedestrians are in closer proximity to mixers and tippers. All new vehicles in the fleet have cameras fitted as standard and Brett Concrete has worked with suppliers to retrofit blind spot cameras to older vehicles. Cycle safety toolkit 33

34 Telematics Description A way to monitor the location, movements, status and behaviour of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Some systems provide instant feedback to drivers about how they are driving. Availability From a variety of manufacturers. Time to fit One two hours. Price band per year on a contract. Advantages Vehicle telematics can be used to monitor driver behaviour and highlight any potential causes for concern to prevent an incident. Disadvantages The data obtained needs to be managed and acted on to be of any benefit, and systems providing instant feedback might be distracting for the driver. It might be difficult to gain driver buyin for a system that may be perceived as monitoring their behaviour too closely. Side proximity sensors Description Fitted to the side of HGVs to detect objects that enter the driver s blind spot. There are a variety of systems available but they all provide an audible or visual alert to the driver, with some systems providing both. The alert often takes the form of an in-cab display which operates a traffic light system where a green, amber or red light is displayed depending how close an object is to the sensor. Availability Immediate, off-the-shelf. Time to fit Two hours to half a day, depending on the product. Price band , depending on manufacturer. Advantages The sensors are unobtrusive as they are only activated when something comes into range. They are also economical in comparison with blind spot cameras. This technology can be combined with alarms to tell cyclists that the vehicle is turning left. Disadvantages The driver isn t told what is activating the sensor so it can be difficult to determine whether a pedestrian, cyclist or obstacle is setting off the alarm. However, this can also prevent damage-only incidents. While the sensors provide a warning they can t be used to determine responsibility in the event of an incident. 34 Improvements to your fleet

35 Case study Keltbray, a leading specialist engineering, construction, decommissioning and environmental services business operates more than 40 HGVs. It was one of the first companies to fit side proximity sensor cycle technology systems to its vehicles. In a bid to improve safety for its drivers and other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, Keltbray trialled proximity sensor equipment to ensure its vehicles are seen and heard. By 2008, the company noticed that more people were cycling in the Capital than ever before. This was accompanied, however, by a rise in complaints from drivers about cyclists behaviour and an increase in the number of incidents involving HGVs and cyclists. After consulting a number of suppliers, it chose a system which included an audible warning that the vehicle was about to turn left. Cycle sensors were also installed instead of a nearside blind spot camera as the camera would require an additional screen in the cab. The trial was successful and the technology was installed across the fleet. Feedback from drivers was positive, including: Drivers feeling less stressed when surrounded by cyclists at busy junctions Drivers being more aware of the blind spot when the in-cab display was activated Cyclists being able to hear the audible warning as they approached the nearside of the vehicle, giving them time to move out of the way Pedestrians able to hear the audible warning, which reduced the risk of them crossing the vehicle s path The introduction of the side proximity sensor equipment was so successful that drivers are now reluctant to take a vehicle out on the road without it. Cycle safety toolkit 35

36 Audible warning alarms Description Uses a recorded message or alarm to alert cyclists (and other road users) that a vehicle is turning left. The message is usually triggered when the vehicle is travelling below a pre-determined speed and the left-turn indicator is activated. Some alarms allow the recorded message to be tailored, for example to reference the company that operates the vehicle. The audible warning alerts pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, rather than the driver, which tends to be the case for other forms of technology. Availability Immediate, off-the-shelf. Time to fit Two hours to one day, depending on product. Price band Advantages Provides an audible warning, which is likely to cut through other information cyclists have to deal with; alternative visual measures may not be picked up by cyclists, or they may lose impact over time. Disadvantages While unlikely given the volume of the recorded message, there may be localised noise which drowns out the warning. 36 Improvements to your fleet

37 Training

38

39 4 Training Training your drivers will arm them with vital skills and knowledge about sharing the road safely with vulnerable road users. The wide variety of training available is summarised in this section. Cycle safety toolkit 39

40 Inductions When new staff join the company, it s the perfect time to explain your culture, policies and procedures concerning vulnerable road users. You should also use this opportunity to provide clear information about the vehicles being driven, the routes to be taken and the hazards to be expected. Safe Urban Driving This is the first accredited course in the UK to include practical, on-road cycle training for drivers. The seven-hour course consists of three-and-a-half hours of theory about vulnerable road users and a three-and-ahalf hour practical on-bike session. The two modules are taught on the same day with up to 20 drivers participating in two groups of 10. Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Vocational drivers of HGVs and Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) must complete 35 hours of accredited training every five years to obtain their Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This EU requirement allows them to continue to drive professionally. Although it is a driver s responsibility to obtain their DQC, you can help your drivers to achieve it while also helping to minimise the potential risk of conflict between a driver in your company and vulnerable road users. As part of its range of JAUPT-approved Driver CPC modules, TfL offers two cycle safety-related courses: Safe Urban Driving and Safe London (Safer City) Driving. Details are available at Theory content The changing streetscape and the urban environment Vulnerable road users and sharing the road safely Defensive driving techniques and actions in the event of an emergency incident Practical content Perception change experiencing the road from a cyclist s perspective to change driver attitude Introduction to active travel, driver fitness and health Hazard recognition understanding the issues faced by vulnerable road users These courses are funded (subject to availability) by TfL. To book, the FORS team at FORS@tfl.gov.uk 40 Training

41 Case study Lafarge Tarmac, a major supplier of construction materials, has used the FORS Safe Urban Driving course to both improve driver awareness of cyclists and encourage drivers to cycle more. The company has a comprehensive programme of activity to reduce the risk of collisions between its fleet of 20 vehicles and other road users. It has recently become a certified body to audit its 250+ contracted hauliers to the FORS Bronze standard. It uses the Driver CPC programme and also wanted to introduce some specific guidance about cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Alison Lawton-Devine, Company Fleet Manager, said: With the help of TfL we identified the benefits of putting our drivers through the Safe Urban Driving course, which is JAUPT-accredited. As well as the classroom-based element, drivers go out on cycles to experience the road from a cyclist s perspective. The quality of the instructors and training material enabled our drivers to fully appreciate the benefits of having a better understanding of other road users, particularly cyclists. Feedback was very positive: Eighty-eight per cent said their understanding of the issues faced by vulnerable road users has changed Ninety-one per cent said their attitude towards vulnerable road users has improved Ninety-one per cent said they would change their actions to give more consideration to the issues faced by vulnerable road users The course had additional unexpected benefits for some drivers, with reports that they hadn t realised how unfit they were until they took part in the cycling part of the course. Several have resolved to do something about it, with one driver saying that: Following on from the course, I ve taken up cycling and I m going every night. As a result of the successful introduction of the FORS training courses, the company is reviewing its training with a view to offering it to drivers across the UK. Cycle safety toolkit 41

42 Case study Bunzl, a leading specialist distribution group operating in 23 countries across four continents, trained more than 400 drivers using a tailored course it developed with FORS. The majority of participants said the course changed the way they behave around vulnerable road users. Bunzl operates a large fleet of multidrop vehicles in urban environments. The company was concerned about the risk of conflict between its vehicles and vulnerable road users. It already took a targeted approach to reduce its risk profile, including online driver licence verification, vehicle telematics and the introduction of vehicle signage, Fresnel lenses and vehicle cameras. It wanted to consolidate this by improving the skills and knowledge of its drivers. Working with FORS, Bunzl developed a Driver CPC programme. It identified two operating companies within the Bunzl business group to pilot the programme, and trained some of its own staff to deliver it. As part of this process the company became a registered training centre with JAUPT. Bunzl commented that the quality of the FORS instructors and training material was extremely high, which gave its trainers the confidence to deliver the Safe London Driving module to a high standard. Gary Bell, UK & Ireland Environment, Health & Safety Manager, said: We liked the fact that we were able to personalise the module to suit our business philosophy and use specific Bunzl images and case studies. It seemed a very cost-effective way of developing and delivering high-quality training to a multi-site organisation across the UK. Bunzl has since trained more than 400 of its drivers: Eighty-five per cent said their understanding of the issues faced by vulnerable road users has changed Eighty-six per cent said their attitude towards vulnerable road users has improved Eighty-five per cent said they would change their actions to give more consideration to the issues faced by vulnerable road users Drivers were particularly receptive to the vulnerable road users training. As a result, Bunzl is extending it to include areas outside London where it is delivering the Safer City Driving module. 42 Training

43 Steps for delivering a successful driver training programme, as recommended by Gary Bell of Bunzl: Identify and nominate key staff for train the trainer development Register with JAUPT as a registered training centre Obtain FORSapproved training material, and review and modify as appropriate Seek course approval from JAUPT Deliver the training Monitor, evaluate and work with TfL to review the training Safe London (Safer City) Driving Safe London Driving is an accredited sevenhour theory module covering safe driving in London. Safer City Driving is an adaptation of the Safe London Driving module for other cities. The modules help equip drivers with the knowledge, skills, motivation and confidence to operate safely on urban roads. They focus on sharing the road safely. As well as highlighting the vulnerability of other road users, they also explain how the city streetscape is evolving to encourage more walking and cycling. Training content Vulnerable road users and sharing the road Daily vehicle checks, route planning and the urban environment Defensive driving techniques to accommodate other road users Driver responsibility and attitude, fitness and wellbeing Road traffic collisions, avoidance and actions Cycle safety toolkit 43

44 Train the trainer This series of workshops is available for FORS-accredited companies wishing to carry out their own in-house Driver CPC training. The course will provide delegates with the knowledge they need to deliver the accredited Driver CPC modules. Train the trainer enables participants to deliver FORS-approved training developed by JAUPT-approved training companies under the FORS brand. Cycle training Taking part in cycle training can give your drivers a much better understanding of how cyclists navigate the roads. You can access cycle training through the majority of London boroughs. For further information, FORS at FORS@tfl.gov.uk. Refresher training E-learning provides drivers with up-to-date knowledge and increases their awareness about cycle safety. It can be accessed free of charge at a time suitable to the driver and/or their employer. The results from the e-learning module provide the driver with feedback and suggestions on which areas they need to develop further. E-learning is available at 44 Training

45 An internal campaign

46

47 5 An internal campaign An internal campaign will ensure your staff, from the managing director to the drivers, know that you are serious about minimising the risk of collisions with cyclists. It will help them understand what the organisation is doing and what is expected of them. Use the tips for drivers (see page 16) as the basis for your communications to keep reinforcing what you expect of them. Communicate the results from the vulnerable road user campaign and the plan going forward, plus outcomes of technology trials. There are several elements to an internal campaign, which you can pick and choose depending on which most suits your organisation. Cycle safety toolkit 47

48 Sub-contractors If you use contractors, they represent your company and so should be included in all aspects of your vulnerable road users policy. You should encourage them to adopt similar policies and procedures to your own company with regards to technology and training. You may choose to specify technological requirements to carry out work for you and include them in your toolbox talks. Vulnerable road user champion Appoint a vulnerable road user champion to take responsibility for the campaign. They should have sufficient authority to ensure that the campaign is successfully implemented and, ideally, they will cycle regularly so they understand both sides of the issue. Toolbox talk driver briefing A toolbox talk is an opportunity to talk to your drivers about what is being done across the company, and to share the cycle safety tips. It offers an opportunity for them to discuss any concerns they have and make suggestions about further improvements. See page 50 for guidance on delivering the toolbox talk. Use the record sheet within this pack to make sure all your drivers take part and commit to following the tips. A presentation template is available from www. fors-online.org.uk, along with supporting notes. You can adapt the template as necessary and could incorporate the presentation into your organisation s driver training programme. Driver handouts You can order multiple copies of the Sharing London s roads booklet that is included within this pack. The booklet outlines the small changes that drivers and cyclists should follow in order to share the road safely with each other. The messages for drivers are based around the tips on page 16, and the messages for cyclists are based around the Cycling Code of Conduct that users of Barclays Cycle Hire are required to sign. You could hand these booklets out after your toolbox talk, attach them to payslips or place them in drivers cabs. 48 An internal campaign

49 Internal communications channels Use your existing internal communications channels, such as driver briefs and driver handbooks, to tell your drivers what you are doing and how they can get involved. Use the tips for drivers as the basis for these communications to reinforce the messages. See page 23 for sample policy text that could be included in driver handbooks. Cycle safety toolkit 49

50 Toolbox talk driver briefing A toolbox talk is a short briefing for drivers that should be delivered by the transport manager, supervisor or line manager. It is a quick and easy way to educate drivers, either on a one-to-one basis or in a group, at a time that is convenient for the company. The talk should be quick and easy to deliver. A presentation template for you to adapt is available from Use the record sheet to track who has taken part, and to get buy-in from drivers about the messages covered during the talk. Order enough copies of the Sharing London s roads booklet included this pack to give to your drivers to remind them of the top tips. Before delivering the talk, make sure you re familiar with your company s vulnerable road user policy. If you have invested in cycle safety technology for your fleet, or are planning to, add details of this in the presentation. The following hints and tips will help you deliver a really effective talk. Think about the pace of delivery. Make sure your audience has time to digest what you re saying. If you rush, you may come across as impatient or not bothered and listeners may not feel able to ask you questions. Some people may also need more explanation than others, so give yourself plenty of time. Use open questions to check understanding. If you ask do you understand?, people tend to say yes even when they mean no. Ask your listeners to run through what you have said to make sure they really do understand what you mean. Keep it positive. Focus on what can be done rather than what cannot be done. Keep it simple and be consistent with your messages. Use short, straightforward, simple words and phrases. Avoid slang words and jargon. People have a limited attention span, so keep it brief! Most people will only remember between 25 and 50 per cent of what you have said, so use the handout material available with this pack to give to your drivers to remind them of the points they may not have fully taken on board. 50 An internal campaign

51 Post briefing, get feedback on the impact, messaging and content of your toolbox talk. Ask drivers what they thought about it, and consider asking another supervisor or manager to observe one of your talks. You can develop and deliver a more detailed presentation for more formal driver instruction and training sessions using the PowerPoint template available from www. FORS-online.org.uk Posters Put the posters included as part of this pack in drivers rest areas, canteens, offices and workshops. Consider rotating the posters on a regular basis to keep the messages active. Details of how to order extra copies are at the back of this document. Run cards or tasking sheets If you use run cards or tasking sheets, consider including the tips for drivers from page 16 on them. Tax disc holders FORS-registered companies can order tax disc holders for vehicles in their fleet (details on page 70). The driver tips are printed on the reverse of the holders to provide a further reminder to drivers of what is expected of them. Cycle safety toolkit 51

52

53 Other vulnerable road users

54

55 6 Information about other vulnerable road users Cyclists are not the only vulnerable road users. You may also want to consider incorporating the following groups into your policy and internal campaign. Cycle safety toolkit 55

56 Pedestrians Reduce your speed in case pedestrians step out in front of your vehicle. If a vehicle hits a pedestrian at 40mph, they will probably be killed. At 20mph, there is only a one in 20 chance of a pedestrian being killed Slow down near bus stops and when passing parked cars as pedestrians may suddenly step into the road Look out for buses at schools and other collection/dropping-off points as children may be getting on or off Be prepared to act at school crossing points, particularly when the Stop for Children sign is visible Take care when you see older pedestrians who may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time Be vigilant in busy pedestrian areas, such as shopping streets, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes Be cautious when approaching pedestrians on narrow rural roads without a footway or footpath. Always slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, giving them plenty of room as you drive past and do not cut in too soon Be extra vigilant when making turns or manoeuvring and parking, particularly when reversing into side roads Look out for people with pushchairs and/ or dogs, who may be distracted or need more time to cross Be careful if the pavement is closed and pedestrians are directed to use the road 56 Other vulnerable road users

57 Motorcycles and scooters Consider your blind spots Be extra vigilant when making turns reversing and completing other manoeuvres Be mindful that riders may have to change direction quickly to avoid raised iron work, pot-holes, wet road markings and oil spills in the road Be extra vigilant in slow-moving traffic where motorbikes and scooters may be moving faster than you Watch your nearside for motorcycles who can now use some bus lanes in London Older and disabled people Watch out for mobility scooters on roads or footpaths Leave space around buses and vehicles with disabled access needs, especially when parking adjacent to such vehicles Consider that people with hearingimpairments may not be aware of your vehicle approaching Allow people who have difficulty walking more time to cross roads Be mindful that blind or partially sighted people, who may be carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog, may not be able to see you approaching Cycle safety toolkit 57