Proctor Street, WC1V

HV is a cyclist - a helmet, HiVis jacket wearing cyclist - stopping at red lights, not cycling on the pavement nor down one-way streets cyclist.  Staying safe is vital. Being aware of the road and other traffic is a vital part of that safety;  not taking other road user's sight lines for granted and never overtaking on the inside of anything.  Don't get me started about the risks some cyclist take at the Grays Inn Road and Theobalds/Clerkenwell Road traffic lights.  Every road user has an obligation to use the road not only safely for themselves but also other users and pedestrians.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Cycle Task Force, funded by Transport for London (TfL), is running a month long safety operation which includes six 'Exchanging Places' events a week for four weeks, to promote safe and responsible cycling, particularly around large goods vehicles. These events allow people to sit in the driver's seat of a lorry or bus to get a better understanding of what the driver can and can’t see, especially in regards to cyclists on the nearside and directly in front of the vehicle.

The events are being held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning and evening rush hour between 15 April and 10 May. So far over 100 cyclists have taken part. The event most local to us is in PROCTER STREET on WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY.  Procter Street is the busy east side of Red Lion Square. Free cycle security marking, registration and cycle safety maintenance checks is also being offered.

Exchanging Places is a safety education course introduced by the MPS in 2007. There have been approximately 8000 people who have taken part in Exchanging Places events since it was launched.

As part of one of the commitments in the Mayor’s and TfL’s Cycle Safety Action Plan, the Cycle Taskforce is leading the way on the Exchanging Places education programme. They run regular events across the capital throughout the year and also work with the providers of lorry driver training to ensure cycle safety is addressed as a priority.

Often, cyclists who are given Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for less serious offences near to where exchanging places sessions are running are given the option to have their ticket revoked if they attend the safety education course. This is only an option for first time offenders.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport Command said: "The aim of these events is to educate cyclists around the dangers they face when cycling close to lorries. Both lorry drivers and cyclists must look out for each other and it's crucial that cyclists do not cycle on the nearside of any large vehicle and that lorry drivers are checking blind spots at all times for cyclists."

"So far the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Over 90 percent of cyclists said that they would change their riding as a result of sitting in the driver’s seat, and would recommend it to a friend."

Siwan Hayward, Acting Director of (CSEP) Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing said: “Cycle safety is a priority for us at TfL. These events provide a valuable opportunity for cyclists to learn more about how to cycle safely on London’s roads. We will continue to work with our policing partners to improve cycle safety and deliver the actions set out in TfL’s Cycle Safety Action Plan.”

For more information and dates of events see related links (right hand navigation)

The Cycle Task Force is a dedicated unit to tackle cycle theft and improve cycle security and safety pan-London. Eleven of the officers are MPS experienced Traffic Officers who hold advanced driving and riding qualifications work on cycle safety and related issues.

The Cycle Task Force also set up ‘Exchanging Places’ events to raise awareness of cycle safety. These events allow people to sit in the driver's seat of a HGV or bus to get a better understanding of what the driver can and can’t see, especially in regards to cyclists on the nearside and directly in front of the vehicle.

Come along to any of the exchanging places events below. Bike marking will also be offered at the events between 15th April and 10th May:

Other dates and location can be found on the Met Police Exchanging Places website here