London cyclists 78 times more likely to die in collision with lorry than one with a car

I think that if some kind of practical cycling module were a requirement for getting a commercial driving license then I think we would have drivers with a vital understanding of a cyclist's vulnerabilities.

This isn't to say that cyclists don't potentially share some of the blame. I've seen some reckless behavior, sure, but I'll say that more often cyclists are putting themselves in jeopardy for the simple mistake of timing something incorrectly or not comprehending the turning radius of a large vehicle. These are deadly mistakes however, and something must be done to reduce the death rate whilst preserving our right (speaking as a cyclist) to the road.

Lastly, and I'm just spitballing here: what about barriers that dropped down from the back of heavy goods vehicles to block the "death zone" from filling up with cyclists? (replete with warning alarms and audio)."

DPU - what do you suggest? Ban anything with that does not have at least 4 wheels from the roads? Everyone has a right to the roads, pedestrian, cyclist, horse rider, motorist. Yes, there are individuals within the vunerable road user catagory that are irresponsible BUT motorists are also responsibile for being aware of what's going on around them. That is why they are licenced. Simply put, they are in a vehicle that is heavier, less manueverable and faster than other road users. I have been driving for over 25 years and over those years I have seen driving skills and manners deteriate and not just young drivers - it's right accross the board.

Our roads are not dangerous because of slow moving traffic. Our roads are dangerous because of poorly designed junctions and impatient motorists. If road planners paid more attention to how the roads are used and by whom then they would be much safer.

Driver Protest Union - We all have the same rights to use the roads we all pay for in our taxes. Driving something big and heavy should bring an additional responsibility, not a sense of invulnerability and "the other person's fault".

As A lorry driver and cyclist said, "you can put as many mirrors on a truck as you like but the driver only has one pair of eyes."

I've seen cyclists trying to squeeze past trucks who have their left indicators flashing, surely the cyclists have no idea of self preservation? Each accident needs to be analysed to root cause and if it is the case of cyclists being stupid there isn't much you can do about this type of accident.

I wonder how many accidents are caused by cyclists jumping red lights, very common here around Bristol.

From what I've seen, the majority of LGV v cycle incidents are caused by the cyclist being stupid. It is FAR safer to stay behind a truck than try to squeeze past and realise that they then move off before you've got clear!!

If a truck (or any large vehicle) is in a stationary queue of traffic it is ONLY safe to pass them if you can be absolutely certain that they cannot move until you are completely clear of them, and far enough ahead that the driver can see you. If you cannot be absolutely certain that you can get clear then STAY BEHIND and give them room!!

I have seen this problem from both sides as a cyclist, and a truck enthusiast, with several LGV drivers as friends.

Of course when you mingle humans among heavy moving plant there will be fatals. It's a no brainer. If we rode down railway lines would we blame trains or airport runways the planes? Cyclists must accept that human flesh amongst heavy machinery will bring tragedy. It's no good being indignant about that fact. It is almost criminal to ignore it and thus encourage others to place themselves in such danger too. Cycling on busy roads, and especially those with blind bends too, is very risky.

The junctions I know are badely designed had plenty of incidents around them.
Surely this should be a guide for TfL to where they need to improve the roads for cyclists.

One thing that did stand out looking at areas of London I know well, was how many accidents were on small side streets. I don't know if some of these may have been at a junction with a larger road, but still it was surprising.
These are the streets new cyclists are often advised to use to avoid busy streets.