On 28 April 2011, the tragic death occurred of 32-year-old cyclist Craig Newton at Broughton Point.
Newton was turning left into East Claremont Street from Broughton Road. The driver of a a bin lorry negotiating the same corner from the same direction failed to spot him on his inside line. Newton was knocked from his bike and fatally crushed beneath the wheels of the truck.
These were not sights or sounds which any of those present will easily forget, and locals are daily reminded of the events by personal tributes left on the railings by the dead man’s family and friends.
Spurtle was therefore particularly pleased to attend the launch this lunchtime of City of Edinburgh Council’s first vehicles to be fitted with new ‘Cyclear’ cycle safety technology.
The system warns approaching traffic with an illuminated sign, and sensors trigger an audible message to caution cyclists and alert the driver of any undertaking. In addition, video images all around the lorry are relayed to the cab. You can see the combined system in action here.
Two such CEC bin lorries are already in operation, with ten of a further 17 coming into service shortly. All refuse lorries will be equipped like this by spring 2016.
Eventually, all new CEC lorries of over 7.5 tons will be similarly fitted as old HGVs are phased out and new ones brought in.
Innovative Safety Systems’ Cyclear technology was trialled over the summer, and is already used by local authorities in Midlothian, Cardiff and the City of London. Furthermore, last year CEC collaborated with Cycling Scotland to introduce Driver Awareness training for HGV drivers with the aim of alerting them to the dangers faced by cyclists on roads.
'Cycle safety is of utmost importance to the Council,' says Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Hinds. 'To equip our vehicles with technology that minimises risk for all road users is a step we can't afford not to make.'
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@theSpurtle @SpokesLothian @CyclingEdin @LAHinds Saw one of these in action yesterday. The sounder needs to be louder
.@theSpurtle @SpokesLothian @CyclingEdin @LAHinds Overall though a great initiative.
@theSpurtle @SpokesLothian thought this happened in the summer - is this a further roll out?
Broughton Spurtle @theSpurtle
@KirstyLewin @SpokesLothian The trial period began in June. Now safety features are being fitted to all new vehicles over 7.5 tons.
@KevsHead @theSpurtle like, texting while cycling elsewhere is ok? r u kiddin me?
@KenWilson84 @theSpurtle With my bike handling, I certainly don't text & ride. If I was to try, though, it most definitely wouldn't be there
@theSpurtle @SpokesLothian Spot the problem?
Lynda Myles [email address supplied]: I am Craig Newton's mother. It's not before time these lorries are being fitted with life saving equipment. My beloved boy would still be alive today if this had been done sooner. The driver's excuse was 'I didn't see him'. Shame on Edinburgh Council for taking so long to get this done but thank god many lives will be saved.
Marianne Wheelaghan excellent news.
Ady Gaham Fix the roads so its safer for all road users , especially pedestrians , please Lesley Hynds transport convener . .