The London Assembly motion has called on Mayor Boris Johnson to take swift action to make cycle routes in London as safe as possible, including responding fully to criticisms made during the inquests into the deaths of cyclists Brian Dorling and Philippine de Gerin-Ricard.
Following criticism from police and other witnesses, Coroner Mary Hassell expressed concerns over the safety of Cycle Superhighway 2 in a Prevention of Future Deaths report, which stated that she felt “there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken”.
The Assembly stressed the importance of reflecting on three main concerns highlighted by the Coroner:
- confusion over the status of un-bordered blue strips of paint forming part of Cycle Superhighway 2
- the need for more education for road users about cycling
- difficulties faced by those cycling around the Whitechapel High Street and Commercial Street junction on Cycle Superhighway 2
Caroline Pidgeon AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“Recent moves by the Mayor to introduce segregated lanes for cyclists are welcome, but it is clear that many London cyclists do not feel safe and the blue painted lanes on traffic-heavy cycle superhighways can give a false sense of security. The recent Coroner’s report into the tragic deaths of Brian Dorling and Philippine de Gerin-Ricard highlights future risks to life unless action is taken by the Mayor and Transport for London.
“We’re concerned to see that the number of collisions have increased significantly – those causing death or serious injury rose by 18 per cent between 2011 and 2012. If the Mayor wants to see a true “cycling revolution”, he must urgently reflect on the design and layout of cycle superhighways to ensure cyclists can get around London without putting their lives at risk.”
Read more at the London24 website.