People driving semi trucks through Seattle’s industrial areas have a job to do and goods to move. But many of those same roads are vital corridors for people getting around town on bikes. This creates an uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous or deadly situation.
But a little shared understanding of the challenges facing people in trucks and bikes could go a long way to helping people stay safe. To that end, the Port of Seattle is hosting a Bike & Truck Safety Fair before work Friday morning, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Terminal 25 on E Marginal Way near S Hanford Street.
This is adjacent to the intersection where Lance David collided with the rear wheels of a truck and died May 1. David’s death was felt far beyond his family and friends, shaking people in the trucking industry and people who bike alike.
His death also accelerated talks about improving bike and truck safety both through education and smarter infrastructure and street design.
Perhaps one of the coolest parts of the safety fair will be the truck blind spot simulation. Get an idea of exactly what parts of the road people driving trucks are able to see in their mirrors, and where you are most likely to be invisible. It’s not every day that you’ll have a chance to experience that.
Reminds me of this simple, terrifying and very informative video from the UK:
Comments
2 responses to “See the streets from a truck driver’s point of view at the Bike & Truck Safety Fair”
Come try a ride along at Terminal 25. I went for a trial run. Guaranteed that the actual experience and being able to talk to a truck driver will be more informative than just watching a video.
That video is an excellent illustration of the concept behind bike boxes.