We are pleased to be able to share the positive progress that is being made on heavy vehicle safety.
Heavy Vehicle Safety
We have been campaigning hard on heavy vehicle safety issues, highlighting good practice and explaining what needs to change, and in doing so we have sought to get the United Kingdom’s CLOCS standards implemented in Australia.
Implementing Safety Standards
On 27 May we joined with nearly 50 stakeholder representatives on the Construction Logistics and Community Safety – Australia (CLOCS-A) Steering Group to plan how to adapt the United Kingdom’s standards to Australia.
Everyone attending wanted to see a reduction in road injuries and fatalities related to construction projects and we separated into the focus areas we felt best able to contribute to. Joining the safer vehicles group made most sense for Bicycle NSW, as our focus has been on setting minimum safety standards for heavy vehicles to reduce the chance that crashes will cause fatalities or serious injuries. We have already identified a technical solution to the hazard proposed by the draw-bar area between truck and trailer, and have introduced the producer to the group.
Bicycle Perspective On Safety
We are also pleased the Amy Gillett Foundation will continue to share their expertise on driver safety training. Bicycle advocates bring a unique perspective to the discussion of heavy vehicle safety.
“We know riders may find our campaign and work in this area a bit technical, and not the most exciting read,” said Bicycle NSW General Manager of Public Affairs, Bastien Wallace.
“But the numbers indicate that bringing in CLOCS-A standards will make a big difference to bike rider safety,” said Bastien.
A huge thank you to members for enabling us to devote the time it takes to campaign on the technical issues that take long hours to get across, and years to see progress. We are pleased to be travelling in the right direction.