PROFESSIONAL drivers are being given
training to make them more aware of cyclists on the road. Merseyside Road Safety
Partnership has provided funding for the training which is aimed at making
drivers more aware of the risks of vulnerable road users and help them avoid
accidents.
The course aims to help drivers understand cycling, recognize hazards and give
them guidance on how to avoid them, reinforce the Highway Code and emphasise the
importance of the use of mirrors and the potential dangers of blind spots.
Drivers from Liverpool Street Scene services, which includes refuse collectors
and street cleansers, are among those who have already benefited from the
training which is provided by BikeRight, the cycle training organisation.
The course also offers the opportunity to gain practical experience of cycling
on the roads accompanied by qualified National Standards cycling instructors.
Councilor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said:-
"As cycling in the City increases in popularity and more journeys are made by
bike it is important that all drivers are aware of cyclists. This training was
specially tailored for those who drive for a living and Streetscene employees
have taken part to enable them to better assess situations involving cyclists
and ultimately avoid accidents."
The course will take place in February and March next week and for more
information and to sign up
online.
Liz Clarke, managing director of BikeRight!, said:- "Courses aimed at LGV
drivers have a positive impact on road safety. Getting drivers out of their
vehicles and on to bicycles on busy roads is a real eye opener. After just a few
minutes sharing the road with heavy traffic the penny really drops about how
challenging it is for cyclists using city centre streets."
All of the courses are approved by the Freight Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS)
and contribute to drivers Certificate of Professional Competence, or DriverCPC
as it is known in the industry. The course is also available for bus and coach
drivers and has been incorporated in to new bus driver training by Merseytravel.
Matthew Chamberlain, Employment and Skills Officer for Merseytravel added:-
"Working closely with BikeRight!, Merseytravel's employment and skills team
successfully piloted the driver training course into new bus driver training
programme. Road safety is of primary concern and adding this course gives
Merseyside's new bus drivers the knowledge and understanding of cycle users
before they start work behind the wheel of a bus. This course is now a necessity
and we are seeing 1st hand the positive impact this has on our learners and for
all road users, not just cyclists."
