A Keighley school will host an event to help cyclists safely share the roads with heavy goods vehicles.

The practical road safety awareness day at University Academy Keighley (UAK) has been organised by a Bradford-based haulage training firm called Freight Train, and forms part of the 100-day build-up to the Tour de France. About 200 pupils from district schools are expected to attend.

The May 7 event has been arranged to coincide with the anticipated surge in enthusiasm for cycling generated by this summer’s Grand Depart.

Transport consultant and haulier Lesley O’Brien, the event’s organiser and owner of Freight Train and Freightlink Europe, said: “The aim is to create a better understanding of the needs of cyclists and large goods vehicles, and to leave behind a legacy of safety.

“We’ll have two articulated vehicles going along, as well as trainers, who will be teaching children about the dangers of going in front of large goods vehicles.”

Mrs O’Brien, who lives close to the Grand Depart route in Stanbury, is already seeing larger numbers of cyclists travelling through the village.

The sessions at UAK are being backed by Sport Keighley, West Yorkshire Police, BusOasis, DHL Logistics and Worth the Tour.

There will be real life stories explaining the perspectives of lorry drivers and cyclists. Participants will be able to sit in a truck to experience the drivers’ limited visibility and enjoy a Top Gear-style cycling track challenge.

As well as the activities during the day, which are aimed at school pupils and their parents, there will be an evening programme of debate and networking, where drivers and business owners will be welcome.

This starts at 6.30pm and will feature a chance to hear expert opinions from a panel comprising representatives from the police, cycling organisations, the Road Haulage Association and transport authority Metro.

Visit freight-train.co.uk/driver-cpc-news/ for further information about the event.