Residents campaign for Cardiff bridge

Llandaff residents have launched a campaign to build a new bridge for walkers and cyclists across the River Taff. The proposed Llandaff Bridge would bypass Bridge Road, which they say is “incredibly congested with traffic, particularly during rush hour and the school run”. The bridge would link the Taff Trail (NCN route 8) with the footpath on the south side of the river, connecting Llandaff High Street to Llandaff North.

Edinburgh lorry drivers get on their bike

Bike awareness training looks set to become compulsory for City of Edinburgh Council’s lorry and van drivers.

In the first course of its kind in Scotland, employees swapped six wheels for two in an effort to understand the perceptions of cyclists using the city’s roads. The pilot initiative consists of theory and practical sessions, created to encourage drivers to “empathise” with vulnerable road users and the safety issues they experience.

Edinburgh Council says that, by placing drivers in the same position as cyclists, they will gain a better appreciation of the dangers they face on a day-to-day basis.

The training targeted employees in the Council’s transport department who drive vans and lorries and perform tasks like roads maintenance and repairs. Participants returned to the classroom to learn about vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and scooter riders as well as cyclists, and how best to share the space with them. Drivers were also given tips on how to prepare for journeys, and on the safety devices fitted to their vehicles.

Then after that, the lorry drivers were taken out onto the road to develop their own cycling skills. By learning basic on-road cycling skills, carrying out bicycle safety checks and negotiating road junctions and traffic, drivers will develop a better understanding of road use from a cyclist’s point of view. Transport Convener Lesley Hinds said:

“The Council is committed to promoting cycling as a primary mode of transport, and as such we have pledged to invest 7% of our transport budget into developing cycling infrastructure throughout the city. But if we are to encourage cycling among our citizens we must ensure that they are given a safe and accessible environment in which to do it. By raising awareness of this with our drivers we are leading the way to creating an equal relationship between drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users alike.”

The course is now being proposed to form a core part of City of Edinburgh Council’s driver training. It could also be offered to private sector lorry drivers.

Cycle safety campaigner Ian McNicoll, who has worked with his wife Lynne to raise awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists on the road since losing his son Andrew in a cycling incident with a HGV, welcomed the pilot:

“This is incredibly important. It’s essential that HGV drivers are given appropriate training and know the risks that cyclists take on the roads. While the majority of HGV drivers are good drivers, the number of incidents involving HGVs and cyclists continues to be very high. We’re pleased that the Council is taking this into account with the initiative, and look forward to seeing how the course progresses.”

Cycling flasher sought in Cambridge

Police in Cambridge are on the alert for a “bike-riding pervert sporting a tan”, according to the Cambridge News. The flasher has been sighted seven times in Arbury, Abbey and the city centre. The hoodie-wearing flasher was riding bike in most of the incidents.

Ski bench for piste-off cyclists

Sustrans’ National Cycle Network routes often have artistic rest places – check out the benches on the Phoenix Trail, for example. But this must be a first: a bench in the Scottish Highlands made from old skis. The bench has a view of the Drumochter hills, famous among cyclists for the high pass. Volunteer ranger Keith Grant, from Perth, called it “a good project for the man cave (shed) in my garden”.

Calling cycling artists

There’s a grand tradition of cycling poster art – and the Artcrank show seeks to show it off to the British public. Returning to London for 2014, the exhibition’s organisers are now seeking “hand-made, bike-inspired posters” from London-area artists. The Call For Artists closes on June 14th.