Transport for London has published a new draft of its Cycle Safety Action Plan, outlining the measures it plans to take to keep cyclists safe on the roads.

Its stated aim is that London should “stand shoulder to shoulder with the best cities internationally recognised for safe cycling”. One of the most eye-catching proposals in the draft is the idea that cars should be given a EuroNCAP rating for cyclist safety in the event of a collision, to accompany the existing scores for the safety of car drivers/passengers and pedestrians.

Also among the measures in the new plan are:

• Helping to reduce HGV traffic during peak hours by trialling quiet vehicle technology to help expand off-peak delivery. This would remove conflicts between cyclists and lorries during morning and evening rush hours.
• Working with HGV manufacturers to develop better designs for side guards in order to further prevent fatal and serious injuries.
• Carrying out trials of detection equipment on London buses to help drivers be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists near their vehicles, which if successful could be rolled out across London's bus fleet. TfL will also look to trial Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), which would monitor and potentially restrict the top speed of buses.
• Working with the car industry to explore how design improvements could further protect cyclists, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems, which could help make vehicles stop more quickly.
• Working with cycle manufacturers to improve how easy it is to see bicycles by building lights or retro-reflective equipment into bike frames.
• Putting more than 10,000 lorry drivers a year through safety training.
• Doubling the number of adult cyclists receiving advanced skills training by creating a dedicated London Virtual Skills Hub. This will allow online booking of cycle training and advanced safety skills across London to attract more commuter cyclists to take up training.

The consultation is open until 25th July. You can read more on the TfL website.