Video: Is this new TV advert victim-blaming cyclists hit by trucks?

In this video a truck overtakes a cyclist with horrible consequences, above, but the safety message is one for cyclists.

 

The THINK! safety advocacy group has been getting a hard time in the UK after releasing a video that aims to foster safer cycling.

In it a truck appears to be overtaking - or at least driving beside - a cyclist nearing a left turn.

When the lorry turns left it crushes the rider, with footage of the aftermath making clear the cyclist went under the vehicle's wheels.

But many observers have said the video sends out entirely the wrong message in that it victim-blames the cyclist.

And in Ireland the Stayin' Alive at 1.5 campaign - which is lobbying for a safe passing distance of 1.5 metres - has spoken out.

Advertisement

He says of the THINK! cycle safety video: "While it is well meaning, we believe its victim blaming message misses the point and where it should be aimed.

Related News

"This campaign reminds cyclists about the dangers of getting caught between a lorry and a left turn – the area where most collisions happen.

"The catchy and well made awareness clip shows a lorry overtaking a bicycle rider and immediately taking a left turn with a disastrous outcome for the cyclist.

"This is what is known in cyclist safety as a left hook. Yet the message is 'HANG BACK'....

"The UK Highway Code Rule 182 is very clear on this: “Do not overtake just before you turn left…watch out for traffic coming up on your left…cyclists in particular may be hidden from your view.

"Surely this message should be aimed at the lorry driver making the illegal manoeuvre? Your thoughts?"

Have a look at the 48-second advert below and let us know what you think.

 

The THINK! advert