Cyclists shown dangers on Tower Hamlets roads

CYCLISTS are being given the chance to see through a lorry driver s eyes to help them stay safe on East End roads. Throughout August bike-lovers pedalling down the Cycle Superhighway in Poplar can take time out to sit in the cab of a lorry and see first

CYCLISTS are being given the chance to see through a lorry driver's eyes to help them stay safe on East End roads.

Throughout August bike-lovers pedalling down the Cycle Superhighway in Poplar can take time out to sit in the cab of a lorry and see first hand what the driver can see on the road.

Officers from the Met's Traffic Police, who have organised the scheme with Tower Hamlets council for every Wednesday, ride the bike down the side of the lorry to recreate the real life situation.

And those at the wheel are able to see for themselves how little the lorry drivers can see when cyclists are on their near-side and how dangerous it can be when the cyclists creep down the side of the vehicle unaware the lorry is about to turn.

Sergeant Matt Brimilcombe said: "A high proportion of fatal and serious accidents on the road involve collisions between cyclists and lorries.

"It's really important that cyclists are aware of what a lorry driver can see, and this is the perfect way for this message to hit home."

Cyclists will also be given cycle safety leaflets, free bike lights and a security mark to identify their bike.