Boris Johnson urged: Stop this slaughter of London cyclists

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TV producer Eilidh Cairns, 30, of Kentish Town, died from multiple injuries at a pedestrian crossing in Notting Hill last February.

Driver Joao Lopes, 53, would have spotted her if his mirror had been adjusted correctly, an inquest heard. An accidental death verdict was recorded.

Ms Cairns's sister Kate, 37, "The one thing we didn't want was an accidental verdict. We agree it was not intentional but we believed it was avoidable.

"People in power act as though these accidents just unfortunately happen to female cyclists and people have to deal with it. There is a huge problem with female cyclists being on the streets of London with HGVs and politicians are not doing enough to address that.

"These cyclists are not soldiers going into battle. They are just women going to work and nobody is doing anything to stop this needless slaughter."

Ms Cairns said the Mayor's decision to get rid of the Commercial Vehicle Education Unit was "completely irresponsible", adding: "Boris wants to make London the cycling capital of Europe but he is doing nothing to help this situation."

Returning her verdict at Westminster coroners' court on Friday, deputy coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said it was "a terrible, terrible tragedy" and that cyclist safety was "a huge problem".

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's transport advisor, said they were doing "all they could" to prevent similar tragedies.

He said: "Eilidh's death was tragic, and we are doing everything we can to make sure that other families do not have to suffer such loss. We are working with the HGV industry, government, employers, the Met, cycling manufacturers and retailers to provide as great a level of safety for cyclists as possible on London's roads."

He added: "The police Commercial Vehicle Education Unit did not focus primarily on cycle safety. This is extremely important - and that's why we have ensured this work is prioritised by bringing it under Transport for London."

He said the Mayor's cycle safety action plan included investing "record amounts in cycle training" and providing HGVs with warning signage and safety mirrors.