Julian Huppert, Cambridge MP Supports New HGV/Cycle Design Competition

A new competition supported by Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge, unites cyclists and drivers to prevent road deaths; April invites designers to enter the hunt for new hazard symbol warning road users of the dangerous lorry risk zone.

The InTANDEM Road Safety Competition which launches after fatal or serious injury cycle casualties increased beyond the 2,500 mark; 20 percent of cycle accidents in the capital involve Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV).[1] The new initiative encourages road users to work in tandem to maximise road safety, as both drivers and cyclists are encouraged to enter designs.

Huppert, recently named MP of the month for his cycle safety campaign, said “This is an excellent competition which focuses on the real danger to cyclists from heavy lorries while at the same time making drivers and cyclists think about the action they need to take to minimise the risks.”

The hazard symbol will combat a common accident which occurs whilst turning left at a junction; cyclists are in danger of being crushed against the wheels of a large vehicle, if the driver cannot see the cyclist on their nearside. The new sign will advocate that extra care is needed when passing a large vehicle on the nearside

The new symbol has answered Huppert’s call for better signage; “The sign, designed to compliment other lorry safety equipment such as sensors, turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars, could go a long way to saving lives.”
The winning design will be judged by Robert Smalley, Chief Driving Examiner for RosPA, Subash Ludhra, President of IOSH, Creative Director Gary Harringman, Studio Harringman and Managing Director Amanda Jackson, Tigerfish PR.

Supported by How’s My Driving?, the UK’s first driving feedback service, the winning entrant will receive £1000 for the most creative design. More details can be found on the competition’s webpage www.intandemcompetition.com, facebook www.facebook.com/InTANDEMComp or Twitter @InTANDEMComp.