Commuter killed this morning, Victoria Street, London (8th April) - RIP

[ManiaMuse]

Sadly sounds so similar to many previous fatal accidents.

"Female cyclist killed by left turning lorry" - heard it so many times before, and the the stats seem to back it up.

OK we don't know the full story, could have been completely the lorry driver's fault, but the fact that the HGV driver wasn't arrested does seem to hint that the cyclist might have put herself in danger.

 

[fossala]

Very sad to hear. Does anyone know the death count this year in the UK?

 

[theclaud]

They shouldn't show photos like that.

It's a heartbreaking picture, but I confess to a sense of relief at not recognizing the bike. I know that my relief is someone else's devastation, but there it is.

 

[theclaud]

Sadly sounds so similar to many previous fatal accidents.

"Female cyclist killed by left turning lorry" - heard it so many times before, and the the stats seem to back it up.

OK we don't know the full story, could have been completely the lorry driver's fault, but the fact that the HGV driver wasn't arrested does seem to hint that the cyclist might have put herself in danger.

As we "don't know the full story", perhaps we can refrain from blaming the victim as well as refraining from hasty condemnation of the driver?

 

[HLaB]

We don't know the full story but there seems to be an alarming Deja Vu

 

[Bikerchick]

So terribly sad , I really feel for her family.

It brings it all home how vulnerable we all are. I have a daughter the same age, lives in London, commutes to work, always a worry!

 

[jarlrmai]

Cyclists please be careful around HGVs and HGV drivers please be careful around cyclists.

 

[BF-GUN]

First time post. Condolences to the family of the deceased. It is terrible to read of someone losing their life in this manner and a shocking, tragic and unforgettable sight for those that witness it.
I'm not a cyclist and I'm not commenting on the circumstances of this incident but as a regular driver I hope I am seen as a considerate motorist when in the vicinity of cyclists.

However, I often see cyclists inching up the sides of lorries in order to gain a few metres to save a couple of seconds and I wince at the danger they put themselves in.

Why risk your life in this manner? It's not worth it.

 

[veloevol]

Most people reading this will be familiar with safe riding practise near HGV's sadly the message would be more effective if we took turns at junctions during peak hour with a megaphone.

 

[Mallory]

Most people reading this will be familiar with safe riding practise near HGV's sadly the message would be more effective if we took turns at junctions during peak hour with a megaphone.

Doesn't work. I've had polite words with cyclists going up the inside of a coach.

The look of disgust in their face at the thought of another cyclist giving helpful/life saving advice!!!

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Very sad,RIP.

 

[mark st1]

It is heartbreaking reading about this type of thing being on both ends of this i cant stress enough how dangerous it is going up the inside of any lorry regardless of filter lanes or not London as im sure is the same in most major cities its manic and the streets just aint wide enough for the bus lanes,lorries ,cars u-turning black cabs, nutty motorbike couriers all at once. Being probably the most vulnerable in that list just hang back and be safe.

Its pleasing to see alot more of the cycle mirrors above traffic lights appearing as they do help alot just never take it for granted that you have been seen by anyone sat 7-8 ft above you regardless of how many flashing lights you have or how bright your jacket is.

 

[BentMikey]

You guys should watch Gaz's RX11AXP video - it most definitely isn't just cyclists going up the left of lorries. Given the stat of some 93% of cyclist/driver collisions being not the fault of the cyclist, I would think some lorry related collisions will be the fault of the cyclist, but the majority will not be. I suspect that the majority will likely be lower than 93% given the usually better driving habits and better training of lorry drivers.

 

[alicat]

A long vehicle passing a cyclist is as dangerous as a cyclist filtering up the inside. Nobody knows what happened in this instance yet but more than once I have been put in danger by an long vehicle overtaking on a left hand bend.

 

[RussellZero]

Boris's comment about banning HGVs unless fitted with skirts and cycle aware mirrors etc is a step in the right direction. I remember seeing something about devices which beep or flash a light when a bike is in your blind spot or along side? All got to help.