O'Donovan hits back at British Cycling's 'unrealistic' suggestion

Jacqueline O’Donovan, MD of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, has responded to British Cycling’s call for motorists to give way to cyclists when turning at junctions.

“British Cycling’s call for a change in the Highway Code to make drivers turning left give way to cyclists going straight ahead on the passenger side, are simply unrealistic.

“While it sounds like a simple rule, it will actually cause huge confusion between drivers and cyclists when sharing the road, especially in the busiest cities where there are already pre-written and universally acknowledged rules in the Highway Code.

“This seems like a backward step to me. Our industry, manufacturers and TfL have worked tirelessly over the last six years, investing in training and innovation to keep cyclists and pedestrians safer, which is evident from the reduction in collisions we are now seeing. Placing responsibility solely on the driver completely contradicts the message of collaboration and mutual education we have worked so hard to promote. Road safety will only improve when both parties learn to work together.

“The cyclist has full visibility of the driver’s movements when approaching from behind on the passenger side, meaning they are equally responsible.

“When it comes to the safety of vulnerable road users, this is a step in the wrong direction. I would urge cyclist and policy adviser Chris Boardman to spend a day at Exchanging Places with the Met & City Police, to see for himself the work being done by HGV operators to protect cyclists.”