Over 60,000 cyclists took to the capital’s streets last weekend to participate in the first ‘RideLondon’ event. But the celebrations have been tempered by news that a cyclist was killed on Monday morning after colliding with a heavy goods vehicle.

The cyclist, a man in his 40s, was struck on the A1 Archway Road in north London. He is the sixth cyclist to be killed on London’s streets this year. Two ambulance crews and an air ambulance attended but the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Transport for London said in a statement: “Our thoughts go out to the man’s friends and family. We are in discussions with Government to push for powers for us to enforce higher standards of lorry safety in London.”

A spokesman for the London Cycling Campaign said: “Archway Road is notorious for cycling incidents. Cyclists need dedicated road space along busy main roads and at large junctions.”

He added: “The weekend’s RideLondon event was a great success, but it took place without other traffic. The Mayor needs to create conditions where cyclists feel comfortable all of the time.”

Cycling group CTC’s policy coordinator Chris Beck added: “The big challenges now are to encourage more people to cycle and to get cities to commit additional resources to build better facilities for cyclists.”

Phil Jones of CIHT’s Urban Design Panel said cycling infrastructure needs to improve in urban areas and suggested that public information films should be produced giving drivers advice about passing safely beside cyclists.

(Photo: Felix O)

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