A new scheme, which aims to improve the safety of cyclists when they share the road with large vehicles, has launched this week.
Large, bright yellow stickers, warning cyclists of the dangers of passing buses on the inside, will be displayed on the back of over 750 buses in Stagecoach Manchester’s fleet.
The scheme has been developed by Stagecoach Manchester in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Cycle Team and is being funded by Drivesafe, the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership.
The launch of this safety initiative coincides with the Greater Manchester Road Safety Summit, which is being held at Bridgewater Hall today to discuss the future of road safety in Greater Manchester.
The move is one of a number of initiatives being run by TfGM to promote cycle safety. The TfGM Cycling Team offer free cycle training to any adults who live or work in Greater Manchester and more information can be found by visiting www.tfgm.com/cycling
TfGM’s Head of Bus, Howard Hartley, said: “Together with Stagecoach, we have devised this initiative to warn cyclists of the associated risks of passing large vehicles on the inside whilst cycling.
“We hope that these bright and highly noticeable stickers will convey this important safety message in a clear and easily understood manner.
“Bus drivers have a restricted view of this area and an unseen cyclist in the process of overtaking could potentially be in a dangerous position should the driver attempt to turn left or pull in.”
Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, Christopher Bowles, said: “It is important that all road users take a responsible view of sharing road space with cyclists, and we do this with extensive training on cycle awareness for our drivers.
“The warning notices act as a further safeguard for cyclists, whose numbers actually include many of our own staff.”
The post New scheme aims to improve cycle safety in Greater Manchester appeared first on Manchester Gazette.