Copy of recent correspondence to the CX of TfGM re ‘Cycle Alert’ (and his reply).

This is currently being used in York and has clearly improved cycle safety and I am pleased to report TfGM will be looking into this matter. 

For copy of his reply follow this link: Cllr Sykes Cycle alert

My original request about this matter is below.

To: Jon Lamonte
Subject: Lamonte – Cycle Alert – Re Draft

Dear Dr. Lamonte,

Re: Cycle Alert

I am writing to you in connection with something that I saw recently in York, a safety innovation called Cycle Alert.

I do not profess to understand all of the technology, but essentially the safety system comprises an electronic unit located on a bus and a unit placed on cycles.

The two units bounce signals other and a warning is sounded in the bus driver’s cab alerting him when a cyclist is nearby, particularly when the cyclist is in a blind spot.

Although 23% of cyclist deaths were caused by HGVs, I am sure some deaths and injuries must be inflicted to cyclists each year by buses.

This system seems effective and is relatively cheap but placed against the cost of a life lost that is priceless, cost seems immaterial.

In York, Transdev buses have been fitted with Cycle Alert since 2013.  Independent market research released from Actionline research stated that 88% of Transdev drivers give the system a positive rating, and a whopping 95% recommended that it should be used by other bus companies in the city.

Given that Greater Manchester is a more built up and busy conurbation, I would suggest the benefits of installing Cycle Alert on buses across the region must be immense.

To assist you, I have attached information sourced from the Cycle Alert website (www.cyclealert).

I would welcome your views on this matter and how such technology could be applied in Greater Manchester.

I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE