Although HGVs are only 1.4% of the vehicles on the road, they account for 22% of cyclist fatalities. (DfT, 2003 Traffic Statistics).
The North Somerset section of the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) lobbies for HGVs to be kept to defined roads, i.e motorways and specific A roads.
This action is focussed through a campaign called TMTV (Traffic Management for the Villages). The Mendip Hills Area of natural beauty is of particular concern but the campaign looks district-wide and beyond. For instance it calls for the A road through Banwell to be declassified and for HGVs to be routed the longer way on an existing A road east of the M5. See No Shortcuts report:
http://www.mendipsociety.org.uk/Issues/body_issues.html#TMTV
We support CPRE and TMTV in their efforts to defeat the all-powerful haulier lobby and to pursuade NS Council to take action to protect both our countryside and cyclists. This pressure is essential to keep the countryside a pleasant and safe place – unless they are prevented, there will be increasing numbers of death dealing lorries careering
though our favourite recreational and commuting routes.
What can you do? Communicate - tell others via the campaign email group about HGVs that you suspect are not making local deliveries
- Long distance lorries should only be on the major A roads. Reports will help build up a pattern
- Through-travelling HGVs illegally on weight limited roads - make special note e.g the name on the side, tell email gp, email the Parish or Town Council.
- Dangerous driving - putting you or others at risk - using mobile phone, tailgating, not giving you a full car’s width when overtaking, etc. Phone the haulage company if there’s a number on the vehicle and get an address to write to.
- Road design - complain to the council about main roads that do not allow for the presence of cycle traffic alongside the other legitimate users, particularly pinch points, potholes, and hatching that reduces the carriageway width instead of creating a cycle lane.
Minimise the risk
- Be seen - wear hi-viz
- Keep well out from the kerb, particularly on B roads. While they’re keeping behind you, you’re OK (relatively).
- Don’t try to pass a lorry on either side in a single lane when they are stopped at junctions or roundabout entries.
- Wait to turn right within your lane, not in the centre of the road where you could be caught between vehicles going in opposite directions.