A new cycle safety campaign, aimed at helping both cyclists and Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers to see the road through different eyes, will be launched at the Wallingford Festival of Cycling on June 26.

Supported by Grundon Waste Management, together with festival organisers and the RP Vision Racing Team, the campaign launch will see every event rider go through a unique sign-on process that will take cyclists through the cab of a Grundon LGV, testing them on what they can, and cannot, see from the driver’s seat.

At the same time, they will be asked to sign a pledge - alongside the LGV drivers - committing to good behaviour, safe cycling and safe driving.

The campaign will also highlight the extensive lengths that Grundon has gone to to reduce the risk of accidents involving cyclists. 

This includes spending more than half a million pounds on installing advanced safety features, such as cameras and audible warning systems, across its 240-strong collection vehicle fleet; and an intensive driver training programme which has seen its drivers sent out on bicycles to navigate busy city centre roads.

Event organiser, Tony Sefton commented: “Cycling is a passion for many, and one that is both enjoyable and can provide big health benefits. Forward-thinking companies like Grundon are providing a lead in educating their drivers and investing in their fleet to keep cyclists safe.  We are delighted to work with them on promoting this joint initiative to make our roads safer.”

Andrew Short, Grundon’s Estates Director and keen cyclist who will be taking on the Festival’s 100km Sportive challenge, said: “We take cycle safety very seriously indeed, which is why we’ve committed to this campaign and why we spend so much time and effort on driver training and equipping our vehicles with the latest safety equipment.

“As a keen rider, I know sharing the road with an LGV can be very intimidating and we owe it to both fellow cyclists and our drivers to ensure they respect each other and display the best and safest behaviour at all times.

“The Festival promises to be a great event and will do fantastic things to raise the profile of cycling in and around Oxfordshire. As a local company, it makes us very proud to support community initiatives like this one and we see our partnership with RP Racing and the Festival organisers as the ideal way to build relationships with the cycling community.”

The first Wallingford Festival of Cycling was held in June 2015, with British Cycling describing it as “…one of the most professional first events we have ever seen.”

It brings together people of all ages and cycling abilities together and features exciting closed road ‘criterium’ racing around the town centre. This year’s Festival aims to attract 7,500 spectators and participants, with events as diverse as elite-level road racing and fun rides.