Safer Cycling in Barking and Dagenham - A new initiative encourages cyclist-awareness amongst freight drivers

A Council officer writes:

"Following our recent recognition by Transport for London as an Outer London Biking Borough, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham remains committed to promoting and encouraging cycling. We’re continuing to improve and integrate our comprehensive cycle networks, develop the greenway network through our parks and open spaces, and provide free cycle training for all residents and workers. We’re also engaged in a range of ongoing promotional and awareness campaigns.

With the launch of the new Cycle Superhighway Route 3, which links Barking with Central London, raising awareness of the increasing number of cyclists using our network has become a key priority. In conjunction with Transport for London, M2 Training has been commissioned to run a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) module called “Safer London Driving”, tailored for the freight drivers operating in and around London.

The training module is designed to help equip vocational drivers with the knowledge, skill, motivation and confidence to operate safely on London’s roads. As well as highlighting the vulnerability of other road users, it explains how London’s streetscape is evolving to encourage more active travel and facilitate the ever-increasing cycling journeys within the capital and beyond.

The course aims to make freight drivers and operators aware of London’s changing streetscape and the need to be able to identify road users who are vulnerable and why. It will highlight drivers’ responsibilities with an emphasis on professionalism; promote tools, techniques and technology that can improve road safety; and review driver attitudes through reflection and discussion, to improve personal driving practises.

In early autumn, Barking and Dagenham rolled out a pilot course to local borough businesses, which was very well attended and benefitted from positive feedback. Subsequent to these events, funding has been secured to roll out 18 courses for local borough-based haulage companies, providing training for 360 freight drivers, helping them develop the knowledge, awareness and skills to adapt to the changing nature of the capital’s roads.

If you are a local business based within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and feel you would benefit from this free training, please contact Lee Thornton at Lee.Thornton@lbbd.gov.uk or telephone 020 8227 3352. Please note places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis."