Another student cyclist killed in London

by Ryan Wilkinson

The tragic death of 22 year-old art student and charity worker Eleanor Carey, has brought the number of cyclists killed on London’s roads this year to 16.

Carey, who had been studying at Kingston University, died after being struck by a HGV at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Abbey Street in Bermondsey on the morning of December 2.

Carey’s death comes at a time when Mayor Boris Johnson - who recently pledged to review London’s cyclist deaths that involve HGVs - is facing growing pressure to act over London’s road systems after the death of yet another young female cyclist.

Around 20 per cent of London’s cyclists are women, however studies show they account for up to 80 per cent of cycling fatalities.  

Dangerous design

Many are concerned that the design of London’s inner road network gives undue precedence to motorised traffic for the purpose of keeping a high volume of cars, buses and HGVs moving as quickly as possible.

London Cycling Campaign spokesman, Mike Cavenett, told Arts London News:

"It's up to the Mayor to encourage safety, we want the Mayor to address this poor junction and poor road design.

"This junction had been questioned by residents – over the last couple of years residents have complained and made several representations to the Mayor but have had no reply. 

"It shows TfL do not want to slow traffic down where motorised traffic is a priority."

TfL spokesman Leon Daniels told The Evening Standard: "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the cyclist who was tragically killed in a collision with an HGV at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Abbey Street last Friday.

"Every fatality on London roads is one too many and road safety is central to every road layout decision, which is why a major review of all planned schemes on the Transport for London Road Network and all junctions on the existing Cycle Superhighways is underway.

Cycling safety campaigner Cllr Paul Braithwaite recently claimed, however, that motorised traffic flow was Transport for London’s “over-arching priority”, saying:

“Across London, there is a consistent pattern from TfL of acknowledging the need for safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians alike, whilst putting schemes on the back burner – always out of consideration for keeping their ‘Red Route’ traffic flows moving.”

Help us make sure that UAL cyclists are safe on London’s roads – follow our Right to Ride campaign and sign our petition.