Innovative Mercedes-Benz lorry wins London Cycling Award

The revolutionary cab design of the Mercedes-Benz Econic lorry has seen the company win Business of the Year at the London Cycling Awards.

The Econic features a lower seating position than most heavy goods vehicles, putting the driver at almost the same height as a cyclist's head, allowing a better field of vision.

Mercedes-Benz also fitted the cab out with glass doors on the near side, so drivers will be able to see if there is a cyclist next to the vehicle, with blind sports greatly reduced. Additionally, there is a camera focused down the side of the bus, beaming pictures into the cab.

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The design was in response to a call from CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety) and the London Cycling Campaign and there are now more than 130 such lorries on London's roads.

London Cycling Campaign chief executive, Ashok Sinha, said: “What better way to celebrate this than to honour some of those whose vim and vigour, innovation and determination, has helped to make this happen.”

“From highway engineers to museum curators, entrepreneurs to community workers, they have all made a sterling contribution to the vitality and zest of London’s cycling culture. We salute their achievements in this year’s London Cycling Awards.”

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Vincente Connolly, director national sales Mercedes-Benz & FUSO Trucks said: “We’re delighted to have been named London Cycling Awards’ Pro-cycling Business of the Year and having the Econic recognised for making a difference is incredibly important to us.

“With its unique cab design the Econic has truly captured the hearts and minds of safety-conscious operators in busy highly populated environments, where trucks, cyclists and pedestrians are in close proximity. It’s clear to see what a difference it makes.”