Call for Cyclist safety mirrors in Oxford

A bid to increase road safety for city cyclists could mirror London improvements, says a county councillor.

When visiting Oxford on Tuesday, Liberal Democrat Transport minister Norman Baker met Cllrs Jean Fooks and Graham Jones to discuss new cycling safety measures promoted by the Government. Government is especially encouraging local authorities to review provision for cyclists at junctions as poorly designed facilities here can cause particular safety problems.

Cllr Jean Fooks, who is both a city and a county councillor, quizzed Mr Baker on the use of ‘Trixi’ mirrors which can increase cyclists’ vision at junctions.

The mirrors are attached to traffic lights and allow lorry drivers to see cyclists and pedestrians on their near-side.

Jean said: “I hope the county council will identify junctions around Oxford where these mirrors could be installed.

“At the moment, cyclists are at risk from large lorries turning left and not seeing a cyclist. There have been no accidents at the junctions in London where these have been installed.”

The Government is allowing councils to install the mirrors without getting approval from the Department of Transport.

Mr Baker obtained Government support for the Green Bus Fund, which has seen a major impact on routes in Oxford.

Many vehicles in the city’s bus fleet now have cleaner exhausts and have helped reduce pollution in the city’s streets.

Members of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee also visited Oxford on Tuesday to learn about the joint ticketing and timetable system.

Jean added: “It is good to see the Government acknowledges the work that has been done in Oxford to improve bus routes.”