revtothelimit - motorbike forum

The government has approved the use of longer lorries on British roads, saying it will make businesses more efficient and cut emissions.

It comes despite one campaign group warning the move could put pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

Longer lorries can carry more goods in fewer trips but have a larger tail swing, meaning their rear end covers a greater area when turning. They also have extended blind spots.

But ministers insist they are safe.

Lorries up to 18.55m long - which is about 2.05m longer than the standard size - have been trialled since 2011 and there are already around 3,000 in use.

However, from 31 May any business in England, Scotland and Wales will be permitted to use them.

Supermofo wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 10:36 am As a new driver, driving up the inside of an artic on a roundabout was one of those 'Oh, won't do that again' lessons. Luckily I didn't end up squashed, but it was close!

v8-powered wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 11:23 am

Supermofo wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 10:36 am As a new driver, driving up the inside of an artic on a roundabout was one of those 'Oh, won't do that again' lessons. Luckily I didn't end up squashed, but it was close!

I did it as a new full bike licence holder - bike written off quickly! Never did it again, still haunts me 30 years later!

Jody wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 11:50 am

v8-powered wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 11:23 am

Supermofo wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 10:36 am As a new driver, driving up the inside of an artic on a roundabout was one of those 'Oh, won't do that again' lessons. Luckily I didn't end up squashed, but it was close!

I did it as a new full bike licence holder - bike written off quickly! Never did it again, still haunts me 30 years later!

How did the insurance company view the accident?

Noggin wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:18 am Surely half the problem is that cyclists/peds/motorists don't understand the geometrics (is that the right word) of a longer vehicle turning?

I was taught by my SDad when I was a kid cos he drove lorries and so explained the reason he took up so much space before each turn - then explained that what I couldn't see was how much space the back end was taking up as we drove through/around the junction.

NOT riding up the inside of a lorry on the right side of a junction with a left hand indicator was a lesson on the first day of CBT


I know you can't teach every pedestrian (although I don't think they are at so much risk!), but I don't understand why some cyclists don't work this out? Surely they can see it even if they haven't been taught it?

Skub wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 2:31 pm Drivers are programmed to imagine they are always in the right and the lorries are wrong to be encroaching on their lane/space. It's like the mindset of some bikers. What will you do if a car pulls out on you at a junction...well that'll be the car driver's fault then,won't it. Dead right they are.

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 3:16 pm There was a ranty rant on-bike vid of some 'advanced' rider out with his mates skimming the centre line "to get the best view around the bend" when the lead rider had to take some fruity evasive action to avoid an HGV which appeared around the left-hander.

The video had a commentary about how the HGV was "well over the centre line" and shouldn't have been there. The tractor's wheels were in the lane, but because of the sharp bend, the trailer wheels weren't following the same line.

Skub wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 3:29 pm

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 3:16 pm There was a ranty rant on-bike vid of some 'advanced' rider out with his mates skimming the centre line "to get the best view around the bend" when the lead rider had to take some fruity evasive action to avoid an HGV which appeared around the left-hander.

The video had a commentary about how the HGV was "well over the centre line" and shouldn't have been there. The tractor's wheels were in the lane, but because of the sharp bend, the trailer wheels weren't following the same line.

A few years ago while 'making progress' and hanging off on a right hander,I narrowly missed being batted on the head by one of those huge campervan mirrors (I lifted up and the frame hit my back just below my neck) The van was on his side of the road,but his mirror wasn't. No one's fault but my own and I was happy to take some bruising as a lesson.

Skub wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 3:29 pm A few years ago while 'making progress' and hanging off on a right hander,I narrowly missed being batted on the head by one of those huge campervan mirrors (I lifted up and the frame hit my back just below my neck) The van was on his side of the road,but his mirror wasn't. No one's fault but my own and I was happy to take some bruising as a lesson.

Horse wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 8:34 am What could possibly go wrong?

At least they're not going to be heavier. Oh, that's next.

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 8:45 pm Torygiraffe tells us that since EVs are 20% heavier than ordinary cars, all the bridges are on the verge of collapse anyway.

Horse wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:22 pm

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 8:45 pm Torygiraffe tells us that since EVs are 20% heavier than ordinary cars, all the bridges are on the verge of collapse anyway.

Concerns, too, about EV loading in multistorey car parks.

Mussels wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:51 pm

Horse wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:22 pm

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 8:45 pm Torygiraffe tells us that since EVs are 20% heavier than ordinary cars, all the bridges are on the verge of collapse anyway.

Concerns, too, about EV loading in multistorey car parks.

I've read that as well but if a multi storey was built 50 years ago then cars are already much heavier than they were then, so why only get worried about it now?

Mussels wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:51 pm

Horse wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 9:22 pm

The Spin Doctor wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 8:45 pm Torygiraffe tells us that since EVs are 20% heavier than ordinary cars, all the bridges are on the verge of collapse anyway.

Concerns, too, about EV loading in multistorey car parks.

I've read that as well but if a multi storey was built 50 years ago then cars are already much heavier than they were then, so why only get worried about it now?