Camden council wants more questions about cyclist awareness

Camden council is lobbying the Department for Transport (DfT) to change its driving theory test to include more questions on cyclist awareness.

Over recent years there has been an increase in the number of cyclists and unfortunately an increase in cyclist fatalities, and the Council wants more emphasis on cycle awareness in the driver theory and practical driving test.

Councillor Phil Jones, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said: "We are committed to improving conditions for cyclists and this is reflected in our policies, where cyclists are prioritised above other road users. This means that the safety of pedestrians and cyclists are our first consideration."

"We cannot do this alone which is why we are calling on DfT to support us. We do not feel that the current driver theory test includes enough questions on cycle awareness. We are urging DfT to change the test so that each time a random test it generated, it features several cyclist awareness questions. We would also like instructors to question the candidate on cyclists' behaviour as part of the practical test."

The Council already has several cycle safety measures including 20mph zones, HGV driver training, free Bikeability and urban cycling skills training for adults and children, as well as awareness campaigns for drivers and cyclists.

HGV related cycle casualties have been targeted through awareness campaigns such as the 'look out' viral video, and working in partnership with businesses and academic institutions to offer free training for both drivers and cyclists.