Widespread adoption of the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) standard has been urged as part of a 10 point manifesto aimed at reducing the number of cyclist deaths caused by heavy goods vehicles.

 

The manifesto published by the Construction Industry Cycling Commission (CICC) also calls for investment in safer vehicles to be made ahead of regulation, and for industry to recognise that health and safety is as important on the road as on site.

 

The CICC, set up earlier this year, is encouraging constructors, developers and architects across the UK to commit to its recommendations.

 

Commission chairman Mike Hussey – the chief executive of property developer Almacantar – said: “The level of cycling accidents in the UK is simply unacceptable. The CICC’s manifesto for change sets out clear ways we can improve cycle safety.

 

“As an industry, we have an obligation to improve the dangerous conditions cyclists face, so I urge our peers to join us and commit to our recommendations.”

 

The manifesto was developed based on London focused research by transport planning consultancy Phil Jones Associates and TMS Consultancy.

 

Findings revealed that HGVs have been involved in 57% of crashes where a cyclist has been killed since 2007, despite only accounting for 3.5% of traffic in the capital.

 

CICC founding member and New London Architecture chairman Peter Murray said: “While we all need to play our part in ensuring safer conditions for cyclists, the construction industry has particular responsibilities which it takes very seriously.

 

“For the first time, we have all come together as an industry and are pleased to be providing real solutions to tackling the challenge.”

 

♦ Smart cameras and sensors aimed at making drivers more aware of vulnerable road users are being rolled out to more than 100 Amey refuse collection vehicles in London.

 

The company is investing nearly £1M in the technology known as Cycle Safety Shield, which monitors blind spots around a vehicle and provides drivers with real time visual and audible alerts as the risk of collision increases.

 

(Photo: Transport for London)