Women cyclists were given a rare opportunity to view the road from the perspective of a HGV driver at the first Women's Safer Cycling Day in London last month.
O'Donovan Waste Disposal provided a Scania roll-on roll-off bin lorry from its fleet of 85 HGVs for the event which took place at the Guildhall Yard, to allow female cyclists to sit in the cab of the HGV.
This gave the cyclists a view of the road from the driver's perspective, enabling them to better understand the blind spots around such vehicles, a technique used in the Metropolitan Police's Exchanging Places events, which O'Donovan regularly takes part in.
With the number of female cyclists disproportionately represented in London's cycling casualties, the aim of the City of London event was specifically to engage with women cyclists and promote safer cycling. The day also aimed to raise awareness of the benefits to health and wellbeing.
Managing Director Jacqueline O'Donovan said: 'There have recently been a number of measures to help protect vulnerable road users in London, not least the Safer Lorry Scheme. However the opportunity for cyclists and operators to meet at this type of event can only be beneficial for all who take part.
'At O'Donovan we invest heavily to ensure we do all we can to protect both our drivers and other road users and I welcomed this opportunity from the City of London to help raise awareness specifically amongst the female cycling community.'
