A CYCLE safety event has been held in York to mark the start of UK Road Safety Week and give cyclists an insight into the blind spots faced by drivers.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service supported UK Road Safety Week with an event in Parliament Square, York.

The event was supported by 95 Alive, the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, City of York Council, North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Police, CFOA and the Mineral Products Association.

MP for Scarborough and Whitby and Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Transport, Robert Goodwill, attended the event with Dave Etheridge from CFOA and Honor Byford, chairman of Road Safety GB.

At the event there was an opportunity for cyclists to sit in a lorry to get a greater understanding of the blind spots faced by drivers.

There was also advice and services including security bike markings from North Yorkshire Police and bike safety checks from York Cycleworks cycling shop.

Deputy chief fire officer Andy Trowsdale, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “With the Tour de France Grand Depart taking place over the summer, more people are likely to be taking to two wheels and we want to ensure they take reasonable precautions and are aware of the measures they can take to keep themselves safe on the road, such as being aware of drivers’ blind spots and wearing a helmet.

“We would also ask drivers to be aware of other road users, simple measures like checking your mirrors before you turn and giving as much room as practically possible when over-taking a cyclist can reduce the chances of an accident happening.”