The Fleet Safety Forum, a division of Brake, the road safety charity, has launched a campaign to promote safe cycling.

The Cycle for life campaign, sponsored by specialist personal injury solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp, includes new guidance for fleet managers and an essential one day seminar for fleet and road safety professionals on cycle to work schemes and cyclist safety.

The benefits of staff cycling to work are clear, according to Brake, with research showing that staff who cycle take less time off sick and are less likely to suffer from inactivity related health problems.

Cyclists are, however, vulnerable road users and with 20% of cyclist deaths involving a truck this guidance aims to help companies to adopt best practice to manage this risk.

The Fleet Safety Forum guidance, Cycle for life: safe and sustainable cycling by employees, provides advice on how to encourage employees to cycle to and at work and also advises companies on how to adapt their training and vehicles to protect cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

It features best practice case studies on companies that have set up cycle to work schemes and showcases latest developments in cycle-safe technology.

At the seminar, taking place in London on Tuesday, July 17, leading practitioners will discuss how employers and local authorities can work together to encourage employees to cycle to work.

Sophie Brown, business engagement project manager at Transport for London will discuss the Cycle to Work Guarantee, and talk about the ways in which companies can provide facilities to encourage staff to cycle to work.

Ryan Bedford, cycling manager at BSkyB will provide a best practice case study of how BSkyB have changed the way staff travel to work and incentivised cycling.

Delegates will also hear from Steve Edgell, chair of the Cycle to Work Alliance, who will share information on the Cycle to Work scheme and also on cyclist safety and route planning.

Roz Cumming, development manager at Brake, said: “This campaign aims to equip managers and drivers to capitalise on the benefits of reduced stress, improved health, lower cost and environmental impact, whilst managing the risks presented to vulnerable road users like cyclists by all vehicles, particularly trucks.

“I urge all fleet managers to get their hands on this guidance and attend the seminar and to encourage more, and safer, cycling this summer.”

Delegate places at the seminar cost £40 for Brake subscribers and £45 for non-subscribers. To book your place at the Cycle for Life seminar, go to Brake’s event registration form, or call 01484 559909, or email admin@brake.org.uk.
 

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