Sussex Safer Roads Partnership are in Worthing with West Sussex County Council for an Exchanging Places Event.

Exchanging Places gives cyclists the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of a HGV to see how difficult it can be to see a cyclist riding close to a lorry. Experienced road safety practitioners, then explain how this type of collision often happens and the actions cyclists can take to reduce their risk.

Different road user groups really do need to understand one another’s viewpoint. This is both a practical reality and a perfect metaphor. Cyclists need to know how restricted an HGV drivers’ view is from the cab. They also need to understand how pressured and skilfull truck driving is, and that the majority of truck drivers want to ensure everyone’s safety.

HGV drivers need to know the physical vulnerability of cyclists even from the ‘wind tunnel’ effect of a truck going by. They need to understand how intimidating a vehicle at your back wheel can be, or the problems of cycle lane abruptly disappearing.

Please pop by if you are in the area.