Bus Drivers To Train In Cycling Safety Scheme

Bus drivers and cyclists are set to benefit from a new safety campaign to promote better understanding between the two groups while on the road.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy launched the 'Bus and Bike Travelling in Harmony' campaign at Laganside Buscentre in Belfast today.

The campaign will cover issues such as giving sufficient road space, potential blind spots and the importance of making adjustments while travelling.

National Standard Cycle Training has been given to bus driver instructors and all 2,000 bus drivers will complete a training module this year.

Danny Kennedy said: "It is important as numbers of cyclists on our roads continue to increase that their safety as well as the safety of other road users is given the highest priority.

"I very much welcome this Bus and Bike Travelling in Harmony Campaign to raise awareness among both cyclists and bus drivers of their individual responsibilities. The new Travelling in Harmony Leaflet sets out clear guidance and common-sense advice to ensure they are all aware of the needs of those with whom they share the road space."

Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive said: "There is an onus on all road users to travel safely and respect one another. With more and more people looking for better ways to travel, growing numbers are getting the bus or using their bikes to get around.

"This campaign is about raising safety awareness by giving both cyclists and our bus drivers a better understanding of using the road from each other’s perspective. Over the coming year all of our Metro and Ulsterbus drivers will be given training covering the key road safety challenges that both bus drivers and cyclists face. Particular emphasis has been placed on the bus drivers’ interaction with cyclists in shared bus lanes."

Gordon Clarke, National Director for cycling charity Sustrans Northern Ireland said: "It's great to see cycling levels are rising in Northern Ireland as more and more people realise it is a low cost, healthy way of beating congestion. Unfortunately, the number of cyclists injured on our roads is rising, so initiatives like this that educate all road users to better share road space are very welcome. Bus lanes, if designed well, are a very valuable part of the cycling infrastructure and we welcome this initiative with Translink and DRD."

(IT/CD)