15 October 2024:

Fulton Hogan is helping cyclists and truck drivers better understand and appreciate each other’s realities on the road. Working with road safety organisation ‘Share the Road’, the Canterbury team has set up cyclist ‘drop-ins’ on one of Christchurch’s major road projects – SH75 Halswell Road Improvements. A cyclist is pictured talking with the team at a drop-in.

The drop-ins are a chance for passing cyclists to learn more about their visibility (or lack of) to other road users, particularly drivers of large trucks. They include the opportunity to climb into a Fulton Hogan truck to appreciate what a driver sees – and doesn’t see.

A key message is the size of the driver’s blind spot, marked by orange cones. It is also a chance for cyclists and the traffic management team to share ideas on likes and dislikes in relation to temporary cycling routes on road works.

Truck drivers and other SH75 Halswell Road Improvements project team members have also had the opportunity to learn more about cycling and cyclists, with Richard Barter from Share the Road facilitating a series of workshops.

Fulton Hogan Canterbury Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Suzie Pottinger, says the objective is to have everyone share the same experience and message.

“We’re ultimately all involved with people’s safety and anything that raises awareness or sparks conversations about other road users can save lives.”