99 per cent of cyclists claimed they would change their behaviour after getting behind the wheel of a heavy good vehicle (HGV).

Over 850 riders took part in Crossrail's Exchanging Places initiative, which gave them the opportunity of seeing things from the perspective of a lorry driver. It also allowed them an insight into the extent of the blind spot from inside the cab.

The news comes as the mayor of London announced plans to ban HGVs without safety equipment to protect cyclists from entering the city. The policy would require all trucks over 3.5 tonnes to be fitted with additional side guards.

Chief superintendent Sultan Taylor of the Metropolitan Police's Safer Transport Command commented: "We're very grateful to Crossrail and the London Bike Show for giving us the opportunity to speak to many people and pass on our tips."

All lorries serving the rail project are required to be fitted with a Fresnel lens or camera to detect whether a cyclist is in the near-side blind spot. They must also carry signs to warn bike riders and pedestrians about the risks of coming too close to the vehicle.