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Inquiry as Tesco lorry kills cyclist
Benedict Moore-Bridger, Evening Standard11.12.07
Supermarket chain Tesco has launched an investigation after a woman cyclist was killed by one of its delivery lorries.
Kate Charles, 41, was hit as the HGV turned left at a busy junction. The driver apparently failed to spot her in the vehicle's passenger-side mirror.
He has been suspended ahead of the investigation into the accident at Streatham Hill on Thursday night.
Ms Charles lived two miles from the scene with her partner Keith and her 14-year-old daughter, Daisy.
Neighbours in Dodbrooke Road today said she would often cycle to work as she was a keen environmentalist.
Margaret Robson said: "She would cycle to her work in the City, more often in the summer. She was a very active person getting on with her life, and now, tragically, it has been cut short." Ms Robson said the family had lived in the street for about six years. She added that Ms Charles' partner, Keith, works at Heathrow and would spend nights away from the house with friends because of the commute.
Tesco driver Bill Walker, from Brentwood, said the crash scene was on the main route for south London's big Tesco stores supplied by the Thurrock depot.
Writing on a local website, he said Ms Charles could have been hit by a 13-metre lorry.
He said: "The depot does try to deliver the bulk of the goods at night while the roads are quieter, however they are restricted at certain stores so as not to disturb residents.
"All Tesco drivers involved in an accident are subject to a drink and drugs test, debriefed by management and suspended pending further investigation - I only pray that I am never involved in such a tragic accident while trying to do my job. I must admit it worries you all the time in London, particularly near bus stops, Tubes and traffic lights."
A Tesco spokesman said: "The lorry was taking a left and the cyclist was on the inside. A Tesco investigation is under way into this tragedy.
"We would like to extend our sympathies to everyone involved and our condolences to the family of the woman that died."
The Evening Standard's Safer Cycling Campaign has highlighted similar accidents. Last December jewellery designer Emma Foa, 56, was killed as she rode from her home in Hampstead Heath to work in Clerkenwell. She was wearing a luminous jacket when she was crushed by the two-tonne lorry as it turned left. This is the most common cause of cyclist fatalities, according to statistics.
Reader views (7)
Jonathan: bear in mind that it might not be a case of 'cycle[ing] between a lorry and the pavement'. If a cyclist is already at a junction, and a lorry pulls alongside, there's not a great deal the cyclist can do about it...and if the lorry driver then tries a left turn, you're in serious trouble. I'm not suggesting that's what happened in this case, as I don't know, but it's happened to me more than once while commuting on a bike. And mirrors: 'Luckily for her I do use my mirrors...'. Sad, isn't it: If all HGVs were equipped with mirrors/cameras to eliminate blind-spots, if all road users (cyclists too) indicated their intentions, and made sure it was safe to manoeuvre before turning or changing lanes, if all road users (and sometimes their employers) took their responsibilities seriously, then tragedies like this would be all-but eliminated.
I knew Kate. She was a lovely, gentle soul, and we miss her.
- Andrew, London
This is truly tragic, but part of a very sad pattern that's emerged over the last two years. After the 7 July bombings I was tempted to join the crowd of Londoners swapping the Tube for th bike. However, since the bombings many more cyclists have been killed in London than the number of commuters killed on 7 July 2005. So, you're far safer on the Tube than you are on your bike. As a student in New Zealand I cycled more than 2000 miles per year to and from university without incident. But London? No way will you get me on a bike here!
- James Rowe, London, UK
A few points.
1. I am a cyclist and there is no doubt that it is very dangerous to cycle in London and so I quite understand Ms. Fitzgerald's thinking. The reason that accidents of this sort happen even where, as I understand was the case here, the cyclist was using a cycle lane, is that cycle lanes which are not segregated from other traffic are extremely dangerous. Drivers often ignore them thus preventing their use altogether. Drivers are allowed to drive up to the white line dividing the cycle lane from the rest of the traffic leaving the cyclist no room for manoeuvre between the vehicle and the pavement. It is very easy to be crushed in that situation. I would ban unsegregated cycle lanes because I think they give cyclists a false sense of security.
2. In answer to Mike's point, I have no doubt that there is a police investigation being carried out. Tesco are just carrying out their own investigation. That is no bad thing. Anything which may help prevent a similar tragedy is good in my book.
3. Declaration of interest: I was a colleague of Kate's. She was very popular here. We are all shocked and devastated at her unnecessary death.
- John, London
At the age of 11 taking my cycling proficiency I was told never to position myself on the inside of a vehicle near a turning, staying behind the vehicle and making your safety your concern. Still cycling today and taking no risks.
- Stef, London
I witnessed the aftermath of the accident involving Ms Charles and the Tesco Lorry - it was shocking and appalling that this can happen to a cyclist, especially with cycle lanes in place. I used to love cycling but would never risk it in London or the home counties now.
- Hayley Fitzgerald, Coulsdon, Surrey UK
Tragic as the death of this poor lady is, one does have to question if it makes good sense to cycle between a Lorry and the pavement. As someone who drives in London everyday (car and motorcycle) it never ceases to amaze me the risks some pedal cyclists take, jumping red lights, going through the smallest of gaps.
Only last week I had one sandwiched between my car and a bendy bus as it pulled away. Luckily for her I do use my mirrors (unlike most London drivers especially Taxi's!) and was able to make more room for her, I can only assume the Bus driver didnt see her as he moved off at the normal speed.
- Jonathna, London
Perhaps I missed the point but shouldn't the Police be leading the investigation.
- Mike, Bedford England
