Truckers take to bikes for Belfast DCPC course

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has partnered with walking and cycling charity Sustrans and Cycle Training UK (CTUK) to create a new Driver CPC-accredited course on safe urban driving in Belfast.

The one-day course, which was piloted in June and rolled out further during August, allows truck drivers to experience the road from a cyclist’s perspective. A leaflet featuring safety tips for both drivers and cyclists has been produced as part of the course, which is being funded by Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency and Belfast Strategic Partnership.

FTA’s Seamus Leheny said: “Our members take road safety awareness very seriously and are working hard to reduce the fatalities involving lorries on the road. We are pleased to work with Sustrans in developing this training course and are delighted at the uptake to date.”

Karen Mawhinney, Sustrans cycle skills unit coordinator in Northern Ireland, added: “Sustrans is pleased to work with the FTA on a training programme and awareness campaign to ensure both drivers and cyclists can safely share road space. As the number of cyclists increase, we have seen a rise in casualties, particularly involving lorries.”