CYCLISTS and other road users being invited to get a different perspective on safety next week by sitting in the cab of a lorry.

A lorry will be parked at Radcliffe Square, in the centre of Oxford, on Tuesday to allow cyclists to put themselves in the driving seat and talk to lorry drivers about their view of the road.

The aim is to help people to understand how difficult it can be for lorry drivers to spot cyclists and pedestrians from the cab of a large vehicle high above the road.

Elizabeth Clements, a spokesman for the organisers of the event, the Mineral Products Association, said: “There are a number of key messages which we want to get across, such as the risks associated with cyclists undertaking vehicles, particularly near left-turn junctions, and the need to ensure drivers are trained in cyclist awareness.

“To prevent collisions, lorry drivers need to be more aware of cyclists and vice versa.

“This is what we hope to achieve with our campaign.”

The display, from 8am to 5pm, forms part of MPA’s new Cycle Safe campaign, which is being launched in Oxford.

Companies that are members of the association operate lorries delivering quarry products and building mateirals across the county.

Ms Clements added: “At our event in Radcliffe Square we’re keen to engage with as many cyclists as possible, to promote safer cycling and driving.”

The event has the backing of aggregates company Smiths of Bletchingdon and Thames Valley Police’s road safety team.

In conjunction with the display, officials from Oxford University will hold a safe cycling seminar at the Sheldonian Theatre, in Broad Street, from 12.45pm to 1.45pm.