Ford helps cyclists stay safe

Ford truck drivers are looking to make roads safer for cyclists by joining forces with Transport for London (TfL).

Ford is supporting TfL's "Share the Road" campaign, which is designed to encourage cooperation between all road users, by displaying signs on 2,000 Ford trailers warning cyclists not to undertake the truck in front. Every year thousands of accidents happen when cyclists try to pass on the inside of a large vehicle turning left.

Chris Woodmore, manager of Ford's Transport Operations, said: "We are delighted to work with Transport for London on this initiative. Ford trailers travel more than 10 million miles every year and present an ideal opportunity to get this message across to cyclists where it will be noticed."

The signs carry the message "Cyclists - beware of passing this vehicle on the inside". They are designed to address the particular threat cyclists face from goods vehicles turning left, when HGV drivers are not able to see cyclists between their vehicles and the kerb.

Chris Lines, TfL’s head of road safety, said: “We are making progress in cutting the number of cyclists hurt on London’s roads, but those involved in collisions with goods vehicles are still too high. By creating the new poster and working in partnership with Ford, I hope we can get the message out to cyclists to be careful when riding near HGVs and also to help educate drivers to watch out for cyclists.”

Ford Transport Operations distribute vehicles and components to Ford's UK dealers and plants. It is based at the company's Dagenham estate, in Essex, and employs 940 drivers and other logistics specialists to run its truck fleet.