Pressure Mounts On Government To Improve Road Safety Standards

Another cyclist has been killed on the streets of London - the sixth biker to lose their life in the capital in the past 13 days.

Ambulance crews confirmed that a man suffered serious injuries after colliding with a lorry and was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday afternoon (November 18th).

The incident occurred on Camberwell Road in south-east London at around noon.
Although the man has not been named at this stage, he is thought to be in his 60s.

In 2013, 14 cyclists have been fatally injured when travelling in the city, with an unprecedented six of these incidents being reported over the past fortnight. There were 14 cyclist deaths in the city in 2012 and 16 the year before.

This latest incident has piled even more pressure on the government to take urgent action to ensure vulnerable road users in the capital are given more protection.

Road Safety Week was launched across the UK yesterday, with campaigners calling for drivers to take more care and put more effort into looking out for cyclists and pedestrians.

The majority of cyclists who are killed on the nation's roads are usually involved in a collision with larger vehicles, such as lorries and buses.

Earlier this month, transport technology provider Smart Witness called for new regulations to be introduced that make it compulsory for long trucks to be fitted with cameras, ensuring drivers have a clear view of what is around them.

Melvyn Hodgetts - who was in charge of safety on Royal Mail's fleet for more than 20 years - agreed that something needs to be done to reduce the number of serious incidents being reported.

"These tragic cycle accidents on London's roads illustrate how hazardous our roads have become," he commented.

"The latest on-vehicle camera systems not only provide blind spot coverage to give the driver vital vision of moving cyclists around them, but also gather data on driving behaviour, vehicle speed and positioning."

If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident whilst cycling, our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Cycling Accident Compensation page for more information.

Expert Opinion

It is a fact that more and more people are cycling both in London and in other cities across the UK so it is an issue that is not going to go away. There are now over 500,000 cycling journeys taking place in London every day, almost double the figures from 10 years ago, and more needs to be done to protect them. <br/> <br/>“Nine of the deaths this year have also involved HGVs and in a battle between a cyclist and a lorry the person on two wheels is always more likely to come off worse. The consequences of a cyclist colliding with a motor vehicle can be devastating and serious head or brain injuries are often life-changing. <br/> <br/>"Drivers need to show cyclists more respect on the roads and recognise that they are vulnerable road users." Colin Ettinger - Consultant