Radio-Frequency Identification System For Large Goods Vehicles Aims To Reduce Blind Spot Dangers

Cycle Alert, a new radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for cyclists, is to be launched in Croydon this month.

The cyclist detection system for large goods vehicles will aim to reduce blind spot dangers for cyclists, and improve work-related safety operations.

A tag fitted to the cyclist's bike interacts with low-power wireless sensors on vehicles that transmit to a cab-mounted device that can alert drivers to the presence of a cyclist.

Croydon Council have introduced the scheme following increased pressure on the Department for Transport (DfT) to trial tag-and-beacon technology in an attempt to reduce collisions between HGVs and cyclists. All four cyclist fatalities in London this year have involved HGVs.

Cycle Alert charity worker Danni Lapham said of the scheme: "Evidence suggests that in many cases, road risk could be reduced by a change in road user behaviours.

"One thing we do know for certain is that the safer we make cycling, the more people who will cycle; and the more people who cycle, the safer cycling becomes. To this end, technology has a valuable contribution to make, to incentivise, to educate."

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a cycling accident, you may be able to claim compensation. See our Road Traffic Accident Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

More and more technology is emerging which is designed to improve the level of information available to HGV drivers and other motorists regarding the presence of cyclists around their vehicles. <br/> <br/>"Considering the number of cyclists who are killed and seriously injured on the roads every year, the development of systems that put safety first can only be a good thing. <br/> <br/>"It will be interesting to see how effective Cycle Alert proves in terms of increasing safety and whether the trial proves so successful that the technology is made available across the rest of the country." Stephen Nye - Partner