Transport for LondonCycle safely / Cycling near lorries
Tips
Cycle sensibly and assertively to help yourself stay safe.
- Recognise that lorry drivers may not be able to see you
- Never cycle up the left side of a lorry stopped at a junction
- Look out for lorries turning left from beside or behind you
- Don't stop too close to the front of a stopped lorry
- Take up a visible position at lights: three metres out in front and not by the left kerb or very close to the lorry
Blind spots - see for yourself how large a lorry's blind spots are, using:
The image below shows the blind spots on all sides of the lorry.
About blind spots
The blind spot can be the full length of the vehicle, leaving the driver unable to see anyone cycling beside them on the left.
Both new and experienced cyclists have been killed in collisions with lorries. This often happens when they turn left trapping the cyclists on the nearside or, when cyclists stop too close to the front of a stopped lorry.
Don't risk your life by trying to pass lorries on the left hand side when they are stopped at junctions or are about to turn.
Exchanging Places events
At Exchanging Places, you can climb into the cab of a lorry and watch for a police cyclist riding up the left side of the vehicle. You'll be surprised by just how little you can see from the driver's seat. You'll also learn more generally about how to cycle safely in London.
Exchanging Places events will take place each month. View details of upcoming events.
Watch our video on safe cycling near lorries
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Find out more
Read the London Cycling Campaign Cycle Sense guide
Take a training lesson to learn how to cycle safely near lorries
Find out more about road safety for lorry drivers
