Cyclist dies and man arrested after lewisham accident

[ercdolan]

Terrible news today and really hits home when this is part of the daily commute each day. Surprised it hasn't been more widely reported on either.

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/1...rrested_after_Lewisham_Loampit_Vale_accident/

I left a bit late this morning but the traffic was terrible this morning but as I got to lewisham I saw the Cordons and sensed that this was no normal RTA.

My thoughts are with the family of this young man R I P

 

[StuartG]

Weird. I drove down that road yesterday returning from transporting a cyclist and bike from Lewisham A&E who had been left hooked by a driver entering a petrol station. His Bianchi was in worst shape than him. But better that way round.

In this case it is ironic the crash appears to have taken place in one of Lewisham's few ASLs. Whilst this is a dreadful tragedy it is more important the NS reports the forensics presented at the coroners court so we can all learn from it. Perhaps a futile hope in the most car-centric borough south of the river ...

 

[Cupra]

The driver made off too what a ****

 

[Crankarm]

Awful. Who ever he was, RIP.

Looking at the picture of the scene there was probably good CCTV coverage of the area.

Many moons ago I used to ride near to this area, more Bromley though. Catford was the nearest I got. I would never ever ride through Lewisham as it was just too dangerous even in a car. People got shot. Camberwell and Deptford were scary enough.

 

[ianrauk]

It's on my daily commute. Went through there about an hour after the incident. Very sad.

 

[glenn forger]

It's a two lane road, wide and clear, and it happened in broad daylight.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Yet another Audi hit and run killer for the borough. http://crossfields.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/4-years-for-tjs-killer.html

As I rarely ride under time pressure, if I'm heading north up the A21 through to Deptford I use a shared use path that cuts out 3 or 4 lights, the roundabout and that junction, which is a bit of a pinch point. Although the path is no quicker because you're avoiding pedestrians and site traffic, it does lead to the exit after that junction. The light sequence then allows a stress-free passage to the Jerrard Street route into Deptford. No use if you're coming from the Lewisham High Street direction though.

And I know that many cyclists don't like using paths, preferring to remain vehicular traffic, but some junctions....

 

[numbnuts]

Another RIP condolences to family and friends

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

A very sad case, with more calls for further 'facilities'. I'm not sure what use they would have been in either of the cases quoted... bad drivers are bad drivers.

That of course is true. In TJ's case, extra facilities would have served no purpose because the driver was already ignoring red lights, bus lanes, etc. Loampit Vale, though, is badly designed for cars as well. From the picture in the paper to the next turning on the right (Jerrard Street), it's a mess of unsignalled last-moment lane changing in both directions.

 

[Rancid]

The driver made off too what a ****

They killed a person, but would have been more than happy to drive off if they could get away with it.
Makes you sick.

 

[veloevol]

Very sad news. Condolences to anybody concerned, hope they get the bugger. RIP young man.

 

[saoirse50]

Yes bad drivers are bad drivers. However, roads can be designed, regulations can be introduced and effectively enforced which restrict the opportunities available for bad drivers to indulge in the most reckless and dangerous of behaviours. Penalties for bad driving could be meaningful and be in proportion to the damage caused, providing a more effective deterrent. Road traffic police budgets could be adequate to the task of policing for safety.
Lewisham Cyclists are planning to ride down the road today. We received an email from TfL yesterday, acknowledging our long ago communicated concerns that this whole area was never included in the Better Junctions Review, and also our surprise that the road was completely chopped from the final proposed CS5 route, leaving Lewisham without a safe, clear commuting route into Central London, and saying they will arrange a meeting with us. Yes, there are other ways, but you have to know the area pretty well to use them effectively. Things can be done, and should have been done. We are going to try and suggest ways that a similar tragedy might become less likely in the future.