A supplier of convex mirrors says that the Government’s decision to allow councils to fit convex mirrors on traffic lights paves the way for a reduction in cyclist casualties.
Convex-Mirrors Ltd says that following several years of campaigning, Norman Baker, transport minister, has granted approval for councils to fit convex mirrors on any traffic light where cyclists are considered at risk, without the need for Government permission.
Convex Mirrors says there have been 15 cyclist fatalities this year, but mounting convex mirrors on traffic lights at left-hand junctions should dramatically reduce fatalities by increasing HGV drivers’ visibility.
Carl Mungai, managing director of Convex-Mirrors, said: “It was fantastic news to hear that the Department for Transport has finally agreed that convex mirrors can now be erected anywhere where local road safety engineers think they might help reduce cyclist accidents.”
Mr Mungai says that his company’s Cycling Mirror R515, manufactured in the EU, is currently the only mirror that satisfies all the criteria issue by the DfT for cycle mirror use on UK roads. The mirror is also currently used by Transport for London on all Cycle Superhighway schemes.
For more information contact Carl Mungai on 01225 851611.
In response to Josh: safe driving is a team sport. The safety of all road users is everyone’s responsibility. Indication and properly checking mirrors would avoid collisions with cyclists as long as the cyclist is practicing safety as well. No need for cyclists to over take or wait. In the situation where a car is crossing a cyclist’s path to turn left, the highway code states that the cyclist has right of way.
Lucy Manchester
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Is it not common sense that proceeding up the inside of a vehicle turning left is dangerous anyway? Surely the cyclist should hang back for the vehicle to complete the manouver, or position themselves on the offside and therefore out of danger?
Josh, Manchester
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As a professional driver of many years experience what strikes me about the picture is that the cyclist is actually stopped at the traffic lights.
Colin in Manchester.
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And such is the “power” of such devices that the lorry has been changed to a coach!
Tony, Bristol
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Tony, forgive me but I think u are wrong. In the picture of the mirror it can be seen that the bus/coach is not forward of the line and in the regular picture the cyclist is clear for at least 6 to 8 feet in front so that if he moves into the correct position for a cyclist he can be clearly seen by the driver of any HGV. I will concede however that the van driver has moved to a position where his wheel is on the line but not forward of the line thus leaving enough space for any cyclist to moveinto that area unhindered.
But I do realise that these pictures have been set up to prove a point. And wrongly in my opinion.
U can put mirrors wherever u like, if drivers don’t look at them or only give them a glance then they will be useless as it’s already been proven with twv that drivers do not see small vehicles that do not pose a threat.
bob Craven Lancs
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In reply to Bob, the picture shows that the advanced area for cyclists is in fact occupied by the van. Cyclist advanced stop lines only work if these areas can be kept clear for their intended users. Also, this picture clearly shows why Trixi mirrors are important – to ensure that large vehicles turning left don’t miss cycles on their nearside who are proceeding straight ahead.
Tony, Reading
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Forgive me if I am wrong but in that picture is there not a special space for cyclists to be when waiting at traffic lights and if so why is it not being used? I know many junctions had these areas painted on the roads at traffic lights and if they were there at junctions then there would be no problem would there as cyclists would be at the head of traffic and not at the side of heavies and hidden.
bob craven Lancs
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I’ll make no comments about comments made in support of a product by the manufacturer of such products but such “road safety engineers” might like to read http://www.swov.nl/rapport/Ss_RA/RA47.pdf and in particular SWOV’s conclusions on the usefulness of such devices.
Tony,Bristol
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