Oxfordshire launches first Trixi mirror trial to boost cyclist safety

A new initiative to enhance cyclist safety has been introduced at a busy Headington junction in Oxford, marking the first use of this technology in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has installed a Trixi mirror at the intersection of London Road and Headley Way. The mirror is designed to help drivers of large vehicles, such as lorries and HGVs, spot cyclists riding on the nearside while waiting at traffic lights.

Mounted on traffic signal posts, Trixi mirrors offer an additional angle of visibility for drivers, complementing standard vehicle mirrors. Due to the height and size of many trucks, cyclists can sometimes be hidden in blind spots, particularly at junctions controlled by traffic signals. The mirrors aim to reduce these risks by improving sightlines where vehicles are likely to turn.

Trixi mirrors have been widely used across Europe and were first installed in London in 2010, following concerns over collisions between cyclists and lorries during left turns. While national approval for local councils to fit the mirrors came in 2012, Oxfordshire’s installation represents the county’s first trial.

The council selected one of the region’s busiest junctions for the pilot and will monitor its effectiveness over time. The project builds on previous safety upgrades at the site, including improvements to cycling infrastructure, and further enhancements—such as extending the eastbound cycle lane on the A420 London Road—are under consideration.

This trial forms part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero programme, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads by 2050.