Chief Inspector

Ian VincentMetropolitan Police

Exchanging Places

A presentation on good road behaviour and safer cycling by The Metropolitan Police

Exchanging Places

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The background

• The number of cyclists on the Capital's streets has more than doubled (117%) since 2000

• 39% of cyclist fatalities in London (1999-2008) involved a vehicle over 7.5 tonnes

• In peak hours cyclists can be up to 40% of traffic.

• In 2009 there were 433 cyclists killed or seriously injured in Greater London, a reduction of 3%.

• 2011: 16 cycle fatalities. 9 involved LGVs

• 2012: 12 to date, 3 LGVs , 1 bus, all on the nearside

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Top causes of cyclist injury

• Going down the nearside of large vehicles may result in fatal or life changing injuries

• Vehicles changing direction - turning right, left and changing lane.

• Opening doors of vehicle into the path of a cyclist.

• Cyclists failing to conform to traffic lights.

• Cyclists on the nearside of HGV at junctions when the vehicle turns left.

• Cyclists entering road from pavement, including cycling across pedestrian crossings.

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The now

• Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme

• Cycle Super Highways

• Economic effects of the recession

Cycling is getting bigger

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• Creation of the Cycle Task Force to address biggest disincentives to cycling: road safety & cycle crime.

• Funded by Transport for London

The Metropolitan Police Response

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Cycle Task Force - Security

•One team of officers, using proactive tactics to arrest cycle thieves.

•PCSOs offering free bike marking and registration.

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Cycle Task Force - Safety

•Two teams of trained Traffic officers, patrolling on cycles.

•Enforcement

•Education

•Engineering

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Enforcement

•Over 7000 offences reported since inception

•Capital Cycle Safe scheme – 1000 issued

•All road users: 24% cyclists, 26% commercial vehicle drivers, 50% private motor vehicles

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Education•Exchanging Places

•An opportunity for cyclists to see the view from a lorry driver's perspective.

•Over 2000 cyclists in past 12 months

•95% say they will change their riding as a result

•97% would recommend it to a friend.

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‘The 300 cyclists who turned up were all invited into the cab of one of the lorries to get a driver’s view of the road; it was a revelation. From 10ft up it is impossible to see a cyclist on the kerbside; even more scarily, it was impossible to see a cyclist right in front, either. I dread to think of the number of times I have gone in front of a truck at a traffic light thinking I was safe. I’ll never do that again. The police advice? Stay a safe distance behind. What will overtaking gain you, asked one policeman; three seconds?’

Eleanor Mills, The Sunday Times, 29 November 2009

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Engineering

•Working with TfL and councils in planning stages of new cycle routes.

•TfL Junction Review, a result of high-profile collisions.

•Suggest solutions to problem areas.

•Able to use skills and experience as cyclists, lorry drivers, advanced police drivers & collision investigators

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Working with the Commercial Vehicle Unit

• Supporting a TfL scheme targeting freight operators that aims to transform freight delivery in London – offering practical advice and guidance, driving down collisions and even reducing costs

• Over 3,000 LGV drivers trained as part of their CPC in cycle awareness

• Members of the CTF or Commercial Vehicle Unit attend some training days-engagement opportunity

Cycle Task Force

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Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU)• 22 Constables and 3 sergeants

• Working from 4 bases around London

• Enormous experience with large goods vehicles and

buses/coaches

• Respond to all personal injury collisions involving pedal

cycles and large vehicles

• Will examine vehicle, driver history and will conduct

company visits to examine transport management activity.

• Part funded by Transport for London, close working with

FORS

• RoadSafe London website

www.met.police.uk/roadsafelondon

• Investigating most serious breaches, captured on helmet cameras

Cycle Task Force

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Partnership working

• Regular Cycle Safety Meetings and Cycle Risk groups meeting to discuss recent statistics and trends.

• Hosted by TfL with police and includes groups such as the London Cycling Campaign and the Cycle Touring Club of Great Britain.

• Introduced an opportunity for cycle bloggers to meet police and TfL in a casual environment to discuss concerns.

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Partnership working

• Several councils delivering LGV driver courses that include getting drivers out on pedal cycles in London

• Cross Rail delivering LGV driver training that forms part of the Driver CPC and is heavily focused on cycle awareness

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When and where are the Exchanging Places events.• http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14799.aspx

• http://content.met.police.uk/Article/Cycle-marking-events/1400005859885/1400005859885

• 20.11 Nov- Victoria Park 0730-1000

• 21.11 London Fields/Martello Terrace Hackney 1600-1900

• 22.11 London Bridge,Kings College Hosp St 1100-1400

• 28.11 Stoke Newington Fire Station 1600-1900

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Conclusion

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• Partnership Working

• Low or no cost

• Vital to deliver the safety message

• Come and see it in action or get in touch

• Thank you

Any Questions

• My contact details

• Chief Inspector Ian Vincent

• Ian.Vincent@met.police.uk

• 0207 161 1022

• 0203 054 4470

• 07919 555812

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Freedom of Information Act

Protective Marking No Publication Scheme Y/N:N

Title: MPS Cycling Safety

Summary: Presentation regarding police road safety operations involving cyclists

Branch / OCU: SCO15

Date created: 07/11/12 Review date: 07/11/13 Version:3

Author: Simon Castle PS 194132/ Ian Vincent Chief Insp 181382

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