Time for action

[Jake]

it is rather long, a great educational tool. I think people are thinking along the lines of a 30second advert and campaign with relative posters, a complete package. Could the people interested just get the Gov to make it?

 

[mattybain]

I agree the ROSPA video is excellent but I think Magnatoms idea is good and more likely to be picked up by the media.

 

[PBancroft]

I said that I would share a video I made a while back. Here it is. NSFW by the way. Also its a WMV which will give you an idea of how long ago I uploaded it... and I was scarily skinny in those days.

Its not the best shot video in the world, but is kind of a laugh. And its watchable.

 

[summerdays]

I was also thinking about this yesterday and had the thought that one way to reach cyclists was at the point of sale in Bike shops - a leaflet with every bike sold - yes some wouldn't be read but some would, even reaching one person would be worth it.

Its a message I pass onto new cyclists that I meet.

 

[Jake]

video link didnt work for me

summerdays, great idea. The leaflet comes with every new bike, good thinking If there is a poster in every shop, when your queing for hours like in most Evans, you read it and eventually it will sink in.

yes MP, i put a picture up of one in NY, where people had been hit by cars or something, there was a silhouette of a guy, like in the old murder films with chalk. I was thinking this could be done with a bike on the road, then came to think that would not work as it would confuse people with all the other road markings and junk on the roads.

 

[scouserinlondon]

I'd gladly tape/cable tie a flyer to every bike near where I park mine. Surely a flyer taped to the bars or saddle wouldn't piss too many people off. It needs to have the basic info and a url.

Simples.

 

[Jake]

who's going to sacrifice their bike? hehe

 

[magnatom]

Ok. Here is an idea to think about/shoot down in flames.

Start with the caption, 'Can you spot something unusual that this HGV driver might miss?'

Fade to POV video from the HGV drivers perspective. This would include a good view out the front with the mirror visible on the left hand side.

Normal driving on approach to a left turn junction. Plenty of things happening out the front window, but nothing unusual. As he approaches the junction a cyclist can be glimpsed pulling up the left of the cab or he could overtake a cyclist on approach to the junction (or two videos covering the two situations). (on the edge of the video when things are happening up ahead hopefully distracting the viewer.

Cyclist quickly disappears into the blind spot. Road ahead clears and the HGV starts to turn left. In the distance someone starts running towards the HGV running across its path waving their arms frantically. Fade away to the question, 'So did you see anything unusual?'

Fade again, to one possible answer, 'Was it the person running toward the HGV?'

Fade again to the correct answer, ' Or was it the cyclist being crushed to death under the HGV?'

Fade to footage from a road view, of what happened, replacing cyclist with fake cyclist gong under the wheels and crushing a bike (surely someone would have a bike we could borrow...um er break!)

Fade to some form of summary i.e. 'Cyclists don't undertake HGVs, Drivers keep an eye out for cyclists'


... or something along those lines.

Some of this might be difficult to film and do. I don't know. It may be possible to fake some of it etc, so advice would on this would be great.

Somewhere there could also be a caption saying 'based on real events'

So what do you think?

 

[magnatom]

Draw lots, I reckon. Hehehe.

I like the idea of just tying a leaflet to each bike. (With maybe a Cyclechat logo )

Or if we have a video, you could give out a CD or even a usb key with every bike sold that would have the video and some other information on it...

 

[Twanger]

Anyone remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYP1j35UhY8

 

[Twanger]

Or this....
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S517s_edgHM&NR=1


Dammit, I am old.

I think the point of these is that the metaphors (ice cream - peach) are more powerful than a "real accident" would be.

 

[Crankarm]

Ha! Read my posts ya muppet! You will actually find that I would happily have someone female and pretty heading this campaign. I'm no media expert, but having someone who comes across well and is a representative of the group of people this needs to be most aimed at (female cyclists). As well as that, a pretty female face would appeal to the almost exclusively male skip/lorry drivers.

I'll quite happily slink into the background.

How about approaching Vicky P to present or introduce? The girls would take notice because she is an Olympic gold winning girl cyclist and the boys would take notice of her because she is a sexy girl . She could wear her GB kit or the famous dress she posed in with her bike .

If you want media contacts how about emailing John Snow (cyclist) at C4 news to see if he can suggest anything in terms of assistance or point you in the right direction or to some one else at C4 who might be able to help. Who knows they might even do a short feature in their slot after 7:30pm and show your HGV warning video. It might get the publicity ball rolling. Just a suggestion.

Can't you get a recovered stolen bike from the police as they auction them off every now and again, rather than sacrifice some one's current pride and joy. Also regarding Evans you could contact their Head/Press Office to see if they would be prepared to assist in any way as they do sell an awful lot of bikes and organise sportives as well. May be they would be prepared to assist provide some funding in exchange for being able to display their name in the credits or conveniently placed in the vid. Perhaps they could provide each of their customers (I'm one) and new bike purchasers with the warning leaflet on HGVs when they make their bike purchase or when they mail out there catalogue or send promotional stuff?

RospA would be good for adding finishing touches or final edits to the video as they will surely spot any safety areas that you may have overlooked that might get you sued if a cyclist were subsequently injured following the advice in your video or leaflet.

Also might be an idea to contact the Road Haulage Association. Can't think why they would not want to be involved and TfL. These are all bodies who could have a valuable input and crucially could offer funding for a really professionally produced short filum.

Just thought whether a few cyclists from Team GB would be prepared to get involved not just VP say Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Rebecca Romero, Lizzy Armitage, Cav........ as IMHO this issue needs really needs the best publicity that can be got.

Just a few thoughts.

 

[Jake]

good ideas Auric Goldfinger

 

[Jake]

Or this....
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S517s_edgHM&NR=1


Dammit, I am old.

I think the point of these is that the metaphors (ice cream - peach) are more powerful than a "real accident" would be.

hmm, well who speakers Queens English here, with that particular tone. I say old chap, don't cycle on the left of that lorry, or you will come a cropper. There's a good chap.

 

[Twanger]

hmm, well who speakers Queens English here, with that particular tone. I say old chap, don't cycle on the left of that lorry, or you will come a cropper. There's a good chap.

I think the point of these is that the metaphors (ice cream - peach) are more powerful than a "real accident" would be.