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Midlothian Council brings in cyclist-friendly bin lorriesExchanging Places video still

Midlothian Council brings in cyclist-friendly bin lorries

Driver receives warning if cyclist is passing on the inside
by Alex Bowden
Sat, Nov 08, 2014 15:51
5

Herald Scotland reports that Midlothian Council is to install cyclist detection systems on four of its refuse collection vehicles and says it is the first local authority in Scotland to take such a measure. Derek Rosie, the council’s cabinet member for roads and recycling explained ‘any new technology which helps make roads safer for cyclists is to be encouraged’.

The system features an illuminated disc depicting a bike with a strike-through on the back of each truck which lights up when the driver indicates left. There is also a sensor on the vehicle which picks up movement on the near side, alerting the driver.

The council has recently launched a survey which will inform its cycling strategy in coming years. Rosie says:

“We are encouraging as many people as possible to cycle instead of taking the car for the health and environmental benefits.”

On average, 12 cyclists are reported injured on Midlothian roads each year.

Earlier this week, waste management firm, Veolia, announced it was to spend £1m on cycling safety measures for its fleet. Each of the firm’s 3,000-plus vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or larger will be fitted with an audible warning for cyclists whenever the vehicle turns left and also cautionary warning signs. A cyclist awareness training programme will also be completed by all of its drivers by September 2015.

Midlothian Council
Derek Rosie
warning system
Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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5 comments

Avatar
IanW1968 | 10 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

Or in the case of buses passing then pulling straight into a bus stop

This..and usually on purpose, theres a lot of haters on the roads IME.

Avatar
harrybav | 10 years ago
0 likes

Yeah, it's all bull, isn't it? These are not artics - these bin lorries have mirrors, no particular blind spot issues (see link below for quite thorough blog on this). These drivers are making turns when they should be looking in mirrors and waiting. They side-swipe bikes, kill people (they got one in Edinburgh the other year), and now we have little flashing bike logos to remind everyone who's fault it is. Just train the 50 drivers!

http://mccraw.co.uk/sorry-mate-i-cant-see-blind-spot/

Avatar
tritecommentbot | 10 years ago
0 likes

Something audible would definitely be preferred, but it's better than nothing and a welcome initiative.

Nice one.

Avatar
brooksby | 10 years ago
0 likes

But no cyclist should ever be passing up the inside of a bin lorry or other large vehicle / HGV. Dangerous. Overtake them if possible, or just hang back. (although I can see where you get overtaken by such a vehicle, but then thats nothing to do with the cyclist...).

Quote:

Each of the firm’s 3,000-plus vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or larger will be fitted with an audible warning for cyclists whenever the vehicle turns left and also cautionary warning signs.

Better would be audible warnings for the driver, IMO.

Avatar
gazza_d | 10 years ago
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"an illuminated disc... which lights up when the driver indicates left.." Don't vehicles have these already, and can you spot the flaw in the plan?

Although I am not saying it never happens, I remain unconvinced that undertaking of LGVs and buses is a large issue, certainly outside of the major city centres.

What I do see and experience is a hell of a lot of close passes from LGVs and buses, with plenty of them cutting in or turning left straight afterwards. Or in the case of buses passing then pulling straight into a bus stop.

More training for drivers, including putting them on bikes and making them ride down the same roads at busy times, not quiet estate roads. Also work schedules with slack built in so drivers are not pressured to pass without a second to spare would help.

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