• Airlift for cyclist hit by lorry as another dies
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NO NO NO the ciclist need training how to cicling on roads

- Lorry Driver, Ohio

As a life time cyclist. I am 60 this year, I spent 30 years cycling in and around central London, have seen a wide range of cycling and driving behaviour from both sides of the argument.

As a few commentators have stated when there is an accident with a bicycle and a car, van or lorry there is only one loser (the bicycle)

I am a proponent of the idea, that cyclist's should undergo a cycling proficiency. Because, firstly these days the traffic is much more congested than it was 30 years ago, in addition to being a lot faster.... People seem to have less time, they want to get there quick. That is understandable.

The one bane, of a cyclist presently is the drivers, (including lorry) who have the 'mobile' stuck to the side of their face!

I commuted from Oct 07 to April from Woking to Guildford on the A320 and had several near misses. Not my fault where the lorry missed me by inches and I could see at the lights when he had to stop the idiot was on his mobile. It seemed highly likely, that his missing by inches was caused by his yacking on the phone! If he had hit me, I would not be typing out this comment!

I am also aware that cyclist have a duty to ride professionally, and safely.

As a cycling who has cycled over the French Alps from Lyon to Canne, San Remo back up to St. Tropez in 9 days, I was so pleased and surprised to see the lorry drivers waiving at me.... but not giving me the finger! In France, the attitude is the complete antithisis of UK!

- David Austin, Woking

Although this is a tradegy what people don't understand is if you cross in front of a lorry you need to be a good 6ft aahead of it for the driver to see you unless its a new lorry fitted with a front downward mirror. We just cannot see directly in front of our vehicle. And as for left turning accidents there is a blind spot on all large lorries and any bike or even car in this area is just not visible. If you dont beleive me ask a lorry driver to take you out for the day and see things from our view. I once worked for B.R.S. and we used to run a safety course for school children and one exercise we did was to place a bike at the side of the lorry at a junction, then the lorry was driven forward slowly and started turning left. This was done to show the children that the back end of a large vehicle cuts across the corner taking out the bike. The lesson being , never sit at side of a lorry at a junction if its indicating left. Better still hang back anyway.I drive a artic and at trafdfic lights or junctions if I'm turning left I will not leave room for a bike to get up the side of me if I can help it , unfortunately thats not always possible as sometimes you have to take a wide swing to get round and when this happens you even get cars coming up the inside ignoring your indicators!!! Its not lorry drivers that want educating its everyone else. We get the education but I dont remember being taught about being aware of lorries when I was learning to drive a car.

- Angela Wilson, Nottingham

How sad to see that any article on cycling brings out the foaming at the mouth, 'they should be hung, drawn and quartered' brigade. Abf, if cyclists should be banned from wearing headphones then so should car stereos, I really cannot see the difference. I ride to work every day and have done for the past 20 years listening to music without incident. Of course I don't listen to it deafeningly loud - unlike a significant minority of car drivers I should hasten to add. As for helmets, there is no conclusive evidence yet that these increase cycling safety. Yet in every country where helmets have been made compulsory, levels of cycling have diminished, therefore causing a negative impact on public health. And one more point, there is no such thing as 'road tax'. The roads are paid for out of council tax, which I and every other cyclist pays for - pity they don't bother making decent cycling lanes for us. As for the insurance issue, in the UK, it is generally assumed that the cyclist is at fault in an accident - the opposite from the rest of Europe where the more vulnerable road user is protected. If I'm hit by a car or lorry, I know who's going to come off worst. And tell me this, are all pedestrians perfect? Do they not walk across the road without looking? Do car drivers never jump red lights, turn without indicating, open car doors without looking, talk/text on their mobiles while driving (often without insurance). There are selfish road users of all persuasions, people.

- Helen, Surbiton, Surrey

I have every sympathy for this poor woman - but she clearly put herself in harm's way. This is why we have the concept of contributory negligence in our legal system. It is difficult to see how the lorry driver was at fault here. I drive my scooter to the office and back every day and I am appalled at the reckless behaviour of most cyclists - so many riding without helmets and with their ears plugged up with earphones. I have even seen cyclists on recumbent bicycles - no one can see them, even pedestrians! Not only do cyclists put themselves at risk but everyone else on the road. It should be illegal to ride a bicycle in London while wearing earphones. I am of the firm belief that all cyclists should be subject to registration and road tax, as well as be required to pay insurance - and be subject to certain minimum standards including being prohibited from wearing headphones. And the attitude of cyclists is appalling - Recently I was simply standing waiting at a light when a cyclist passed me with a backpack which hit me very hard as he went by - when I protested, he spewed profanities at me as though it were my fault. If I were injured, I would have no way to track him down or any recourse to any insurance. This is patently unjust. Although the law can only go so far to protect people from their own stupidity - cyclists need to take this responsibility on for themselves.

- Abf, London, UK

Well, it's medically proven - Most cyclists are morons.

- Rob, Hedemora, Sweden

This morning I witnessed the selfish actions of a cyclist, coming round the corner on the pavement and diverting immediately onto the road (which is currently only one way due to roadworks) where a pedestrian was already crossing and knocking him off his feet and spreading him across the road. To the cylcist who had the cheek to get up and start remonstrating shame on you.

- Susan, Charlton

Looks to this writer that the lady was breaking the law, which is the normal way for bicycle riders to act.

- Apaul, West Palm Beach,Fl.USA

The comments on this sadly show how fed up most people in London are of cyclists endangering them.

When I used to drive cyclists were a menace, now I'm a pedestrian it's worse as i dont have the protection of a car around me.

I find I have to look when I move around on the pavement over my shoulders as you can't hear them suddenly come up behind you.

Isn't it a sorry state when pedestrians can't use the pavements and cross roads without the danger of some of these people?

Until they get their own house in order, they will not get any respect, or sympathy from the general public.

It is only a matter of time before we se a few more cases of pesdtrians being killed by some of them, and yes there have been 4 in the last year in the papers.

- N Grinsell, lONDON

Everywhere else in Europe cyclists are suject to the law of the land. But we in Britain nauseatingly turn a blind eye to their law breaking habits which should cease immediately. Like Belgium we should licence bicycles and use the money to give them more cycle lanes and fine cyclists for abusing the highway code

- Alexis Dogilewski, London, England

Until cyclists have the same legal status as motorists they will be second class road users. On saturday I narrowly missed a cyclist using the cycle lane on the wrong side of the road! Had he hit my new car he would have caused £100s of damage with no recourse. Cycle at your own risk.

- Jon Anthony, United Kingdom

How about a cycling test including the part about pedestrian foot paths, as well as insurance, to help cut down accidents.

- Vince London, West London

As a cyclist myself I am continually shocked by the behaviour of some other cyclists on the road - cycling through red lights; cycling the wrong way down a one way street; dangerously undertaking/weaving through slow moving traffic. Whilst some lorry/bus/car drivers drive irresponsibly when overtaking cyclist for the most part the problem is the cyclists themselves - and those that cycle and stop along the left side of a vehicle that is indicating a left turn are just plain stupid.

Why not devise a device that is integrated within a bike (ie cannot be removed) which (a) beeps inside a lorry/bus to let the driver know when a cyclist is in their blind spot (b) allows it to be located in the event of a theft (c) links into a camera/penalty system if a cyclist cycles illegally (eg through a red light) and is fined! That way everyone on the roads is safer and thieves can be caught - win win!!

- Andy, London

Babara Australia. Get real please ! The truck wa moving because thats what traffic does on roads ! Pedestrians wanting to cross the road have designated crossing points where drivers are aware of pedestrians. The picture clearly shows she was pushing her cycle across the highway and not on a crossing point. Its cyclists and pedestrians who need to be educated and not the lorry drivers. What is it about cyclists who think they are above the highway code ?

- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand

Quote:
Just over half (52 per cent) of people killed in road accidents in 2005 were car users. Pedal cyclists and two-wheeled motor vehicle users represented 5 and 18 per cent of those killed respectively. Occupants of buses, coaches, goods and other vehicles accounted for the remaining 4 per cent of road deaths.

I don't think the pecentages would have changed much in 3 years.

Looks like cycling is one of the safest mode of tranport.

By the way I see plenty of motorists doing the wrong thing on the road all the time as well as pedestrians taking chances with their lives.

Do not blame the victim in this the poor woman has lost her life. The driver should be held accountable!. She was walking not riding her bike which makes her a pedestrian not a cyclist! Why was the truck driver moving when the traffic was stopped!

- Barbara Waddell, Safety Beach, Australia

I'm quite shocked lorry drivers are getting stick when in fact it's cyclists committing themseles to danger as you can see in the picture why is the cyclist crossing between the lorry and not using an appropriate crossing!

I'm emergency cyclist and have seen too many cyclists put themselves in danger such as passing on the left of lorries and buses (undertaking) at junctions and traffic lights when they turn left and lorry/bus drivers can't see cyclist in their blind spot.

Here's a few tips:

When coming to a junction when there's a large vehicle in front DON'T undertake it, stay BEHIND it until it moves off then move to the left!

DON'T weave in and out of traffic where there are large vehicles.

Overtake on the right check over your right shoulder and give an arm signal then move out when it's safe to do so.

Make sure you make eye contact with other road users to confirm your intentions.

Simple things that can make all the difference!

- Kd, London

Only the other day I watched as a cyclist blatantly ignored a red light and almost knocked down two pedestrians crossing the road on the "green man".
When I'm driving I am quite amazed at the number of cyclists who turn left from a side street onto a main road without even looking.

- Mark.H, London

As a bus driver in London, it is time these bike's had registration numbers and took responsibility for their own errors.
I am surprised I have not had a heart attack yet because of the idiots going through red lights in front of me.

They should also be told that at night when they wear dark clotghing they are an accident waiting to happen!

- Dene Wood, Grays, Essex, That little country by the sea that used to have

I used to ride a motorbike until it was stolen and now ride a cycle to work. When I was riding my motorbike I learned how to ride defensively, but would also marvel at the cyclists going through red lights listening to their ipods.

Now as a cyclist I go slowly through red lights. Why? Because it gives me a slight head start to get enough along the road for the traffic to see me. I always stay well clear of heavy trucks particularly dustcarts. Often when I see one coming I will hop onto the pavement until it has gone past. And yes I will ride slowly on the pavement when I am in danger of being crushed in the traffic mele.

I used to think riding a motorbike was the most dangerous activity going, but believe you me it is nothing compared to riding a cycle. So to those doing so, wear high visibility clothing, concentrate fully on the road ie ditch the ipod and remember; even if you have the right of way, allow the motorised vehicle to go first if they want to. If you don't, the driver may end up with a few dents and scratches, but you the cyclist will end up either dead or with severe injuries. I know which outcome I'd prefer!

- Susan De Sousa, Chelsea, England

And finally we hear that cyclists have killed 4 dogs in a park ! I rest my case your honour.

- Peter Killick, Hartlepool United Kingdom

It's about time that cyclists acknowledge that they also have responsibilities as road users, to other users and start applying common sense. Perhaps as the number incidents involving cyclist's grows, insurance, aptitude and road worthiness tests should be introduced.

- Paul F, N London, UK.

And cyclists should be taught safety tips on riding their bicycles on the streets. A basic safety course should be required.

- Brandon Thomas, London, UK.

I ride a small motorcycle and I often marvel at the risks taken by cyclists. I would never sit beside a lorry at traffic lights nor undertake approaching a junction yet many cyclists do this on a regular basis. I had to take a test for my bike license which instilled the courtesy and safety aspects of road use. Many cyclists seem to believe they are immune to these simple rules and immortal when it comes to taking chances. It's well know that lorries have this reputation for collisions with bikes (due to their limited visibility directly around their cab) and cyclists are aware of this, so why take the chance?

- Madeline Palm, London, UK.

I used to commute into central London by motorbike, but after being knocked off 3 times by complete idiot car drivers (they were all charged as their fault)in less than 2 years I decided to give up motorbikes after 35 years and try cycling to my local station and then cycle from Liverpool St. Station. In the 14 months of doing this I was knocked off by a hit and doctor (who since lost his license for a year) squashed between a parked transit van and a passing transit van, knocked off twice by overtaking cars which then turned left, knocked off 3 times by pedestrians stepping off the curb straight in front of me all saying they never heard me coming (not surprising as they all were plugged into their ipods!

As you can imagine, I now get a taxi to my station and use the tube from Liverpool St. London roads are not and in my opinion NEVER will be safe for cyclists dispite the governments policies for promoting cycling in London they just don't spend enough money on segregated cycle lanes, unlike other major cities around the world. Oh but we can spend billions on hosting the Olypics?

Yes I am bitter, all these incidents have cost me pain and money a loss of confidence on the roads and a loss of lifestyle. A lot of cyclists aren't angels but for every 1 cyclist that jumps a red light I bet you could count 100 cars, vans, lorries and even buses that do exactly the same without any regard for safety.
Driving/cycling standards are dropping. It's dog eat dog out there.

- Dave White, Bishops Stortford. Herts

Lorries should be barred from all city centre areas between 6.00 am and 9.00 pm.

- Peter Haldane, London

Ms Pontecorvo was also crossing a road - the A1 - as a pedestrian, pushing a bike, at a point with railings on the pavement (see the picture) to stop pedestrians entering the road. Pedestrians are therefore at least prevented from making such a crossing, presumably for their own safety. I guess, as a cyclist, she reached that point on wheels and then dismounted to cross at an evidently dangerous position. She took a risk and the consequences were sadly as potentially foreseen under the road circumstances. Her death does not prove the danger of cycling - she was a pedestrian doing something that you shouldn't do. She should have waited to reach the next junction and the correct, safe crossing point.

- Gc, London

I cycle to work in London ever day, rain or shine, but I am increasingly considering stopping as I fear for my own safety. I've had many near misses, the most recent being when a 4x4 veered in to my path on Camden Road on Monday and forced me into the kerb, and off my bike. I don't think the driver had even seen me. He certainly didn't stop.

I'd already been commuting by bike for many years before I came to London, and ironically, most near misses occurred in the first few months of London cycling when I dutifully obeyed all the laws of the road. I've learnt that it's often far far safer in some cases to jump a red light, than be caught in the scrum of traffic that seeks position after a light changes - especially if you find yourself next to a van, or lorry at the lights (whom are often sat in the cyclist box, and don't even indicate). It's safer to put as much distance as (safely) possible between you, and other vehicles at junctions. For the same reasons, I'll often mount the kerb ... simply because I do not want to die.

However - there are many many cyclists who are themselves simply dangerous road users (I'm staggered at those for example who listen to music while cycling through heavy traffic). Cyclists can be as selfish as any other road user (the problem isn't cyclists, or drivers - it's people) - although saying this, drivers must realise that many cyclists break the law during their commute simply because it is safer to do so.

- Guillaume, London

All I can say to Pete in Hartlepool is laugh out loud at your comments. You sound like a complete and utter fool.

- Helen, Surbiton, UK

I cycle to work from Euston every day and back every evening, I come into work early and leave early in order to avoid the worst of the traffic but it never ceases to amaze me how many cyclists put themselves and others at risk by jumping red lights and ignoring zebra crossings.
My biggest concerns when I am cycling are buses that pull off and then decide to indicate or pull across in front of me at a bus stop when I am just reaching it and taxi drivers who try to get past me leaving no room in between me and them.

My brother used to have a motorbike and being on it with him made me very aware as a driver that other road users need the room. So when I drive I give as much room as I can to people on Motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles. Perhaps cycling proficiency needs to be incorporated into driving tuition so that everyone learns how vulnerable a cyclist or someone on a motorbike is.

- Liz, London, UK

How come we never hear about irreponsible cyclists, it's abot time they had compulsary training, a test and insurance. Many of them are far from being angels.

- Vince London, West London

I was at the accident this morning on Southampton Row, I have no idea who was at fault. What I do know is this - more women die or are seriously injured in bike accidents in London than men.

As crazy as it sounds I put this down to the fact that they obey the traffic laws by waiting patiently behind the white line at red lights while cars, lorrys, trucks and everyone else edge forward through impatience crowding the cycle box hell bent on beating the vehicle next them off the lights.

I freely admit that I cycle like a maniac, I cross the white line and jump lights frequently. I bounce about on my bike in front of the traffic irritating everyone - but they've seen me. I hate that it is this way but until it is ingrained in other road users that we also use the road I shall continue to do so.

- Polly, London

My brother Nick was horrifically killed last Thursday at Southwalk Bridge. Making lorry drivers watch those videos will not change the way they drive; their vehicles are just too big for an old city like London with narrow streets and too many cars and trucks. There is no way to stop these needless deaths except by taking it slower, taking care, using mirrors and being alert. Every cyclist killed is some-ones son or daughter. My brother, who was the kindest person, cycling to leave less impact on the environment, leaves behind two little girls, a lovely sad wife and the rest of our family. Don't watch videos, meet in the flesh the people who are grieving.

- Caroline Penn, woking uk

pete, london
cyclist cause their own misery and blame everyone else for it,and as for the colonel blimp jibe ,i take that as a compliment,shame he's not the transport minister im sure he would ban cyclists off the road

- Peter Killick, Hartlepool United Kingdom

Peter Killick.
Of course some cyclists are irresponsible, but unfortunately so are some drivers and they cause fatalities rather than just a bit of a nuisance for Colonel Blimp characters such as yourself.


- Pete, London, UK

24 Sept, Southampton Row, 8.30 am - another lorry turning left, another large pool of blood beneath the lorry and a few shattered fragments of a bicycle.

A few weeks ago a van driver went berserk with me and tried to run me off the road then followed me making aggressive gestures. Why? Because I was in front of him as I needed to turn right and I guess it slowed him down by a few seconds.

I've had enough of cycling. After 15 years on London roads I'm giving it up. People are just too aggressive... (disturbed, unbalanced?) it's becoming far too dangerous. And judging by some of the inane and awfully selfish comments on this site I'm doing the right thing.

- Steve, London

And yet another cyclist has died on the streets of London this morning after being hit by a left turning articulated lorry in Holborn...

- Helen, Surbiton, UK

Rj, NOTTS says "I can say without any doubt that cyclists are no bigger a problem on the roads than any other road users."
If other drivers in Edinburgh ignored red traffic lights in the same way as cyclists there would be absolute carnage here.

- John J, Edinburgh, Scotland

The majority of cyclists in the center of London need educating about other road users. It doesn't matter whether it's lorries buses or vans. The cyclists behave as if they own the roads and all other vehicles must give the right of way! I've seen cyclists simply cut in front of a lorry, being missed by centimetres. Then giving a 2 handed salute and nearly riding into a stopped bus. No, cyclists need educating about other vehicles!

- A. Winsley, London England

I had not seen the photograph of the unfortunate Ms. Pontecorvo when I added my contribution the other day. The picture is extraordinary for at least three reasons: (a) if you are going to weave about past a lorry or a van in traffic it is essential to establish eye-contact with the driver before you put yourself in a position whereby your life depends upon them knowing where you are and not just shunting forward; (b) it looks as though she could just have easily walked in front of the car, whose driver could not have missed seeing her; and, (c) there was a gap in front of the car which could easily have moved into thus creating a real risk that the traffic might just all move forward a bit. If anyone is unsure, just imagine how that photo would look if you knew she was pushing a pram with a baby in it.

The accident was obviously a tragedy for her and those close to her, yes, but all the more so for it having been so avoidable on her part.

Good to see that amongst the predictable one-eyed nonsense there are plenty of balanced comments - it is the responsibility of ALL road users to recognise that they are sharing the road and to look after their safety and the safety of others.

- Michael, london

Lorry drivers 'need educating about cyclists'.

Both need educating about other road users!

- David, Plumstead

I commute to work daily in the thick on London traffic and can only emphasise that cyclists need more training than lorry drivers. Yes, it is a tragedy that the lady died, but who in their right mind crosses the road in front of a large lorry like that - not at a pedestrian crossing either. The cyclist lobby is pushing for something that needs to be levied on them, proper training, 3rd Party Insurance at least and being held to the Highway Code as other road users are. This is not a get green effort, it is a be sensible on how you use the road effort. It takes two to cause an accident.

- Gordon, London

Paul from London. Please red the article more carefully. I wished the cyclist on High Street Kensington a speedy recovery. Re-read article before adding stupid comments!

- Lucy Cannell, London

Yet again another cyclist killed and all the lorry drivers come out in suport of there fellew workers..

I was always tought as a driver to pull up short behind the car in front, not to get as close as possable like many big lorries..

Im sure if a safe distance had have been left the cyclist would be still with us today..

- Dave, London

Once again we see the calls for segregation to stop cyclists being harmed by the drivers of dangerous vehicles - the equivalent of a female curfew to prevent rape. Lets start focussing on the real cause of the danger - the driving standards of these large vehicles which we have all experienced around London.

Segregated facilities are not the answer. There is no room for them in London and studies such as the recent one in Copenhagen (and others for the Netherlands) have found that segregation increases, not decreases, the risk because most accidents occur at junctions, not in-between.

The majority of cyclists deaths in London are at the hands of lorry drivers. Perhaps its time we started forcing the HSE to treat road deaths caused by work vehicles in the same way as if they had been on site. You get one death on a construction site and the HSE is all over it like a rash but currently they ignore deaths caused by work vehicles on the road.

For those that characterise it as a cyclist v motorist vendetta remember that its not just cyclists that motorists kill. In fact they are a minor part of the motorist's carnage with ~140 deaths a year compared to ~200 children, ~700 pedestrians and thousands of their fellow motorists. No other group of road users come anywhere close to causing the 3,000 deaths a year that motorists do. In fact motorists in London subject more people to sudden, violent deaths every two months than the 7/7 bombers did in total.

- Tony, Cambridge, UK

I particularly like encountering cyclists on the road every day when I am at work, which I am for some 8-10 hours every day. My drivers initially declare they hate cyclists, because their dads do! We give every cyclist more than adequate space when we pass them, thinking we do not wish to run over them if they fall over and sprawl across the carriageway.. The more we see, the better, in fact we actually go hunting for them in well known places where we can guarentee to see the.
As a 17 year veteran driving instructor with numerous qualifications in the profession I can say without any doubt that cyclists are no bigger a problem on the roads than any other road users.

- Rj, NOTTS

Why is the death of this poor woman being exploited by cyclists to wage war on lorry drivers?

Yes, she happened to be wheeling her bicycle at the time of her death but any pedestrian could have been killed in exactly the same manner. This is not a case of a lorry driver irresponsibly ignoring cyclists, his actions could have harmed anybody within the vicinity of the vehicle whether they be pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or he could even have shunted another motorist.

I agree that lorry drivers need to be more aware of what is around them but people need to act with caution around them too and be aware of the threat they pose through their size alone. You would not have caught me crossing the road in front of this lorry, bicycle or no bicycle.

Respect for the road and those on it works both ways. Lorry drivers can be as careful as they like but if people put themselves in precarious situations they too have to take responsibility for their actions.

This is not a case of cyclists versus lorry drivers. It is a tragic accident which would never have occurred had BOTH parties taken more care.

- Steven Ferguson, London

Having now seen this picture of Lisa Pontecorvo wheeling her bike across the road, this is something that makes me shiver. All road users have to be aware of a lorry driver's blind spots, and there are many. Especially all around the cab. The introduction of close view mirrors should be mandatory for all lorries entering the congestion zone at the very least. However, this would have been no use in this death.
Still, this doesn't replace common sense and cyclist education. I recommend cyclists take a look at Roadcraft, a book that explains how to cycle safely. You'll end up taking more of the road and stop inviting drivers to squeeze past.

- Nick, Surbiton

It should be illegal to insure a driver against the first £10,000 of compensatable injury. This would impress on van and lorry drivers the enormity of their presence on the road, and why it is a privilege to occupy this public space, not a right. This would result in credit checks before motoring insurance was granted, resulting in far more careful driving habits.

We have the usual idiots concentrating on "vigilante cyclists", when the stats all show that motor vehicles are almost the sole cause of death on roads in the UK - and even on pavements. Their real concern is not with ending human suffering, but scoring points off perceived rival road users, and they are indifferent to the death and suffering of those road users, else they would not deviate from the subject.

- Reg, London

Drivers of LGV's (Large Goods Vehicles) are
professionals and very vigilant but despair
when many cyclists just flout red lights, lane markings, one way streets (ie the future Primeminister)and suffer abuse from demon cyclists.

- Jeremy, Stevenage

Lucy Cannell, London

"Firstly I would like to wish the cyclist seriously injured yesterday on Kensington High Street the best & hope they make a full recovery from their injuries."

The cyclist died, it said so in the article.

- Paul, London

You raise some excellent points Lucy (Lucy Cannel, London). The main reason that people i speak to don't cycle is because of safety concerns, we really need to make it safer for these people to get out on the road for the first time and by having more cycle dedicated lanes would be an excellent start.

You raise a good point. Why can't the two way street in kensington be a bus/cycle lane?

We really need to get Boris to make a more serious commitment to cycling, not just the token gestures we've seen from him so far, anyone can turn up for a photo shoot with a bike in hand and tell people to cycle.

- Adam, London

I am a van driver for a grocery shopping company, driving through the streets of London every day dealing with cyclist and motor cyclists all the time. You overtake and undertake hard to be watching both mirrors at the same time. then insist on cutting us drivers up especially at traffic islands. Not many of you recognise the black and white stripes on the road we call a Zebra crossing or red traffic lights... We the general drivers are doing our best to avoid all of you so please try and help us by using your own common sense and also following the highway code.... none of us want to see anybody hurt for the extra minutes you might gain by putting yourselves in danger....take care and so will we

- Paul, Hemel hempstead

I was knocked off my bike by a lorry when I was a kid. Fortunately no serious harm was done, and I quickly learned to anticipate possible accidents when on the road, an education which has served me well even in later years as a car driver and as a biker. It takes two to have an accident, and while many drivers need educating in order to avoid them, the same can be said for a lot of cyclists.

- Chris Sharpe, Bullion France

When you see someone indicating left, anywhere, DO NOT UNDER-TAKE THEM. Goes for cyclists (me too) as well as cars on the motorway. Signalling indicates an intention, not a chicken-able challenge, ignore it and there may well be trouble. And when you cross a road, make sure a driver has SEEN you - look at their face to check.

- Steve, London, England

It is sad to hear of these dreadful fatalities and injuries. However every day, as a pedestrian, I have to be careful not to be run over by cyclists going through red lights. Particularly at the junction of Red Lion Street and Theobalds Road.

- David, Enfield

I ride a bike in London and hearing of accidents like that sends a shiver down my whole body. Blind spots are just that - the lorry driver can't see you. I am afraid that no cyclist has any business getting into a the blind spot of a lorry or a bus, whether the truck/bus has indicated left or right. More and more lorries have signs at the rear warning cyclists that the driver cannot an undertaking cyclist. I think that much could be done to improve cycling in London and make it safer - but everyone has an equal right to use the road and it really is up to cyclists to make sure that they are where they can be seen and that they don't leave themselves no exit. The other point to remember is that if you are a cyclist it does not matter whose fault the accident was - you are always the big loser.

- Michael, london

Cycle lanes are a joke in the UK and more dangerous than simply leaving the roads as they are.
HGVs should simply be banned from London's roads during the day, as they are in other cities around Europe.
It's also not good enough to argue that outfitting the lorry fleet with extra mirrors would be too expensive. Drivers who don't care or don't check their mirrors are the problem in most cases and road layouts which bring cyclists and lorries into conflict are also to blame.

- Alex Ball, London

As usual, an item about cyclists, and it brings out the keyboard commandos with their use of multiple exclamation marks and unusual use of grammar, complaining about how they were run over three times last week, and four the week before that.

Cyclists are just people trying to get to work and the majority are safe and don't pose a risk to anyone, as the statistics of one, or is it now two, road deaths caused by cyclists on pedestrians in the last 5 years.

Quite why the keyboard commandos see red when cyclists are involved and don't call for the banning of cars (which cause 3000 deaths a year), I simply don't know.

- George, London

i think a few cyclists need to look at the way some of them ride there bikes. i have had many a near miss when i am turning left with idiots coming down my nearside even with my indicators going

- Steve, braintree ,essex

As an experienced commuter who has cycled to work in London for over 30 years, I would make two serious points. Firstly, cyclists should ride their bicycles as if they are driving a car and take up the appropriate space as once you have been overtaken, you cease to exist in the driver's mind and his or her actions will take no account of the fact that you are behind. Many is the time I have been overtaken and had the driver turn left across my path without a thought for my existence. Secondly, cyclists should not go up the inside of lorries at junctions unless they are absolutely certain it is safe to do so. It is often the case that the driver only indicates, if he indicates at all, when the lights change. Then it is too late!

I have noted the comments made by Peter and rather than take issue, I suggest he tries riding to work on a bicycle and then views the problem from a different perspective. I certainly do not condone the actions he complains about but I would query how often fellow cyclists find their lanes blocked and the supposedly safe aree at traffic lights occupied by drivers.

- David White, London

Every morning I walk from Liverpool Street Station to Fleet Street and back in the evening. Every day I see cyclists taking horrendous risks and no amount of education of lorry drivers can prepare them for the maniac cyclists that emerge from directions where they should not be in the first place.

The reason that more cyclists are killed or injured than pedestrians is because we usually see the loonies coming and jump out of the way.

- Bj, London

Part of the problem is that cyclist seem to think that they do not need to obey the 'rules' of the road and are a law unto themselves.

I wonder how much money was spent on the cycle lanes on the Great West Road. Motorists are fined heavily if they park in these lanes which are kept clear but the majority of cyclists still ride on the main carriageway putting their lives - and I may the lives of other road users qat risk

- Jeff O'Leary, Osterley UK

What about educating the cyclists?

Not a day goes by, without nearly hitting me on a pavement, cyclists need training as well as motorists.

- P I Staker, london

Firstly I would like to wish the cyclist seriously injured yesterday on Kensington High Street the best & hope they make a full recovery from their injuries.
I cycle that road everyday to & from work. In fact I was walking to get a coffee minutes after it happen & saw the devastating mess the bike was in.
As a cyclist I am clearly biased towards the injured party. In addition to this, a man driving a ten tones truck should think twice before making any turns in crowded roads in central London. A cyclist is no competition to a truck, there will only ever be one loser.
However, I feel a cyclist should take responsibility for their own safety. If a truck is anywhere near you let it turn left first. Don’t try and outwit the truck with agile undertaking on a cycle.
Both sides of this case now argued, I think neither should take the blame as neither are the guilty party. We should turn out attention to the London Council. Where are our cycle paths? Why should Kensington High Street have two lanes for cars when the London Council want to reduce cars on London roads. Why not make one lane for traffic & one a bus & cycle lane. If there was a clear separation in road users these dreadful accidents would not even be a topic for discussion.
A cleaner, greener and safer London road system can’t be achieved without the council’s full commitment. Boris - stop the talking and start spending some money and actually implementing systems that save lives!

- Lucy Cannell, London

As a cyclist myself i think that this would be a good idea however the cyclists have to take some responsibility for their own safety too. i see many riders act with complete disregard for their own lives on a daily basis yet when something happens to them they blame the drivers. these bad cyclists give myself and other good riders a bad name.

- Brian, london

cyclists are the ones who need educating ! when will they learn that they dont own the road and that they have to obey the traffic laws just like the rest of the traffic.They push to the front at traffic lights only to pull away in the wrong gear and crawl up to speed causing as much congestion as anyone else, they undertake even when the vehicle in front indicates left and completely ignor red lights ! i have no sympathy for them,they can take to the roads with no form of training , no insurance and no parking restrictions ban them all i say !

- Peter Killick, Hartlepool United Kingdom

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