CEMEX UK drivers get on their bikes

As part of CEMEX UK's commitment to cyclist safety, LGV drivers from different areas of the business got on their bikes and took part in cycle training, to see the road from the cyclist's perspective.

The comprehensive training was devised and delivered by Greg Woodford, Senior Training Instructor at CTC, the UK's national cyclists' organisation. The one day course started with basic cycling skills which were used first on quiet roads and then busier areas with more traffic and demanding junctions.

Since 2004 CEMEX UK, the building materials supplier, has been heavily involved in promoting safe cycling around large vehicles. A key part of this initiative has been to actively encourage cyclists to get into the cab of one of its vehicles to see the road from the drivers perspective. To date over 3000 cyclists have experienced this view of the road.

The cycle training was undertaken by three drivers, Jason Stockham, Readymix, Les Martin, Aggregates and Brian Quinn, Cement plus the Health and Safety Manager for Logistics, Julie Welch and Driver Development Officer, Paul MacPherson. "As a non-cyclist but a LGV and car driver, the training has certainly heightened my awareness of the dangers faced by cyclists. An invaluable experience," comments Paul.

Greg Woodford of CTC said: "We all know that cycling is a cost effective, fast and green means of transport however, LGVs pose a greater risk to cyclists than any other vehicle. This training aimed to mitigate those threats by giving drivers the cyclists' view of the road. I am delighted at the commitment to road safety demonstrated by CEMEX and at the progress made by their staff in the cycle training course. It's now up to other haulage corporations to follow their lead and demonstrate their road safety credentials."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts:
  Elizabeth Young, CEMEX UK, e. elizabeth.young@cemex.com, t. 01932 583214
  CTC Press Office, e. publicity@ctc.org.uk, t. 0844 736 8453
• Photos of the training session are available from Elizabeth Young and on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/48719552@N06/5612898350/in/photostream
• CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high-quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world
• In the UK, as well as ready mixed concrete, cement and aggregates, CEMEX also produces asphalt, and has a significant share of the roof tile, rail sleepers, concrete-block paving, and concrete-block segments. CEMEX has a national supply network in the UK to ensure that quality building materials are available to customers locally. For more information, see www.CEMEX.co.uk or www.CEMEX.com
• CTC - The UK's National Cyclists' Organisation, with 67,000 members across the UK, is both the oldest and largest cycling body in the UK, established in 1878. CTC provides a comprehensive range of services, advice, events and protection for its members and works to promote cycling by raising public and political awareness of cycling's health, social and environmental benefits. Visit www.ctc.org.uk.