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My sincier condolances with her family and friends. I m a greiving father of sajjad Bilgrami who also died in simalar circamantances in Tooting High Street on 20th oct.2008.I can understand the pain and agony you all are going through at this moment. My thoughts are with you all.
Pls read my comments on evening standard 28th october2008.
May God Bless her soul Amin

- Asif Bilgrami, london

I think people are missing the point here a wonderful and caring person has been killed! Twenty six and her whole life a head of her, and all people can do is bitch and moan about cyclist's! I think those people should feel ashamed of themselves, just put yourselves in her families and friends position who will never continue to see her grow up. How would you feel if it was someone you cared about?!

- Heather, Leicester

I was fortunate enough to work with Chrystelle and to say she will be missed is a huge understatement. We loved her as she was kind, caring and had a beautiful and genuine zest for life. I still can't believe we have lost you in this traggic way.
You will not be forgotten Chrys
R.I.P xx

- Jason, London

Take a moment to think about Chrystelle and not yourselves, and your own experiences. Chrystelle, rest in peace, you will always be remembered as a lovely, thoughtful, happy go lucky lady.

- Alexis, London

I was riding along Old Street on Monday in the bus/taxi/cycle lane and took the separate cycle lane as I waited for the lights at the Old Street/City Road roundabout. There was a taxi on my right. I waited for the lights to go green and moved forward at the same time as the taxi. The taxi then accelerated and pulled over to its left squeezing me against the railings. He continued turning left into City Road. I stopped until he was clear. He had to stop at the pedestrian lights and I caught him up and told him that I had been in the cycle lane and he had pushed me into the railings. His language and reply made it quite clear that his action had been deliberate and that he did not approve of cyclists.

I think the provision of cycle lanes is important for the protection of cyclists and the white line should be reinforced by a raised kerb or the lane itself raised to pavement height to keep motor vehicles from crossing onto the cycle lane accidently. I realise that would increase the cost of providing cycle lanes, but it would reduce the number of accidental and deliberate collisions by motor vehicles

- Henry Fowkes, L:ondon

I have lived in London mostly all my life,and as I do not like to travel on London Transport I commuted to work by bycycle for many years then eventually a motorcyle.Over the years I have seen the deteriation of behaviour of cyclists on London roads,unfortunately they do not seem to have much regard for anybody but themselves,I truly beleive that most accidents in London are caused because the cyclist is ignorant to the different dangerous situations that can arise.They seem to take every risk no matter what.There are some very bad and dangerous drivers in London,So for a cyclist or motorcyclist to survive the everday possible hazzard,they should perhaps be less arrogant and be more self aware and observant to the traffic around them,instead of jumping lights with their ipods on.

- Eileen Hare, Walthamstow

Chrystelle was an experienced and safe cyclist. The Lorry was taking a left while she was going straight on, he drove into her path and she was simply not seen.
She was not jumping any lights or being unsafe in any way.
Instead of using this as a place to rant about issues, could you please understand that a beautiful young women was killed.

- Maire, London

It is irrelevant what you do to make roads safer for cyclists, you can spend millions of pounds on them. While the attitude of the mainstream driving British public is similar to that of Chris of Bedford or Thomas of London cycling and the safety of cyclists is never going to improve. The selfish attitude of vehicles with 4 wheels is the reason there are over 3000 deaths a year on the roads and has nothing to do with cyclists going through red lights. I drive a London Taxi for a living.

- John, london

a lot of cyclists do not obey any rules of the road at all they ride on pavements ,the wrong way down one way streets,jump traffic lights there is zero enforcement on them by the police.Motorists pay a fortune to use the roads in fuel tax, road tax and fines.Cyclists are freeloaders and moan the most.

- Chris, Bedford uk

It is just over seven months since my sister Eilidh Cairns was killed by a truck while cycling to work in London. We have asked many times what happened, but will likely never know and this may equally be the case for the unfortunate family here. The biggest thing that we can all do it slow down a little and show more respect for ALL users of the roads - pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, cars and lorries. The second thing that every road user can do it take a half-hour to learn about what each of us can do to make the roads safer for other users. If we all think a little more about what WE can do to make the roads safer as we use them, then perhaps a few more future deaths can be avoided.

- Mark Mitchell, Vancouver, Canada

Mr. Boris Mayor of London
Can you make me a favor, can you finish with cycling in London because the roads on this city doesn't have space for that.

- Miguel, London

I really feel for the family, my uncle was also run over by a cement truck and killed when cycling to work in Chelsea, in June 1997, and it makes me sad to see that not much has changed really since then, with regards to cyclist and cars sharing the roads..

- A.D., Canada

I have just cycled across America. The truck drivers there take extreme care and even contact other drivers on CB radio to let them know that there are cyclists on the road. Our drivers should take a few lessons.

- John Bell, Nottm, UK

Sue of Orpington, let's replace your insensitive summary of "cyclists" with the word "pedestrians":

'From my own observations whilst travelling by bus in London. Do the majority of pedestrians stop at red lights, no. Do pedestrians pay road tax or have insurance, no. Do they take any notice of a left indicator on a car, no. Do they travel in single file, no.'

See how ridiculous your argument is?

- C. Nichol, London

'ONLY' 10 people killed on the roads every day?
There would be many, many, more, were not for the speedy response of emergency services getting to the scene very quickly and SAVING the lives of those seriously injured.
Pre-deployed para medics and ambulances around the country's collision blacksopts saves countless lives.
It's a shame Ministers don't admit this, instead of blathering on about 'good road safety statistics.

Statistics and lies!!!!!! Again!

- Rj, NOTTS

Sensors on the sides of large vehicles alerting drivers to cyclists save lives but companies don't want to incur the costs! RIP Chrystelle. x

- Detty, London

"London streets will never be safe for cyclists so it would be in their own interests for cycling there to be completely banned."


As thousands of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles every year perhaps it would be a better idea if they were banned from the roads


Just to clarify, I mean that it would be better for all non-essential motor vehicles to be banned from the roads. We want our streets back the onus to avoid being run over by a couple of tons of metal should be on the driver of the motor vehicle, not the cyclist and pedestrian.We seem to be living in a world where the car/lorry is king and everyone else beware, this even seems to be reflected in the legal system where it seems that motorists are not held responsible or accountable for their actions.

R.I.P. Chrystelle

- Paul Barrow, Whitstable. UK

This is very sad.

I have a cycle, but I am reluctant to use it on public road. Even when there are cycle names, these are to be shared with buses! Easy to get wacked by the mirror of a bus.

As for cycling on pavements, perhaps they should be allowed for people such as me, who are still not comfortable cycling on roads.

- W.L., London

It is so sad that this happened. It is not appropriate to speculate what happened.
I am an experienced cyclist. There are terrible, irresponsible pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Those that have the potential to do most damage are those in charge of vehicles of larger mass-cars and lorries.
This is a dangerous junction the layout makes cars veer around the road and has very poor visibility.
I frequently have car drivers pull up behind me at this junction (I travel straight ahead), they do not indicate left, and when the lights change they pull forward and try to turn left in front of me. This happens everywhere. I have to ride defensively always assuming that cars and lorries will do something dangerous.
I choose to cycle for lots of reasons. I stop at lights etc. I also have a car - so pay car tax. Although this argument is pointless as cycles cause nil damage to roads or the environment and vehicle tax does not go directly to road maintainence it goes to one large fund-like all tax.
Every user of the road has a right to be there, be responsible, behave within the law and treat others with respect. This is seriously lacking from many road users. There are some drivers who have a visible hatred of cylists regardless of their behaviour. They do not understand how much damage can be done to unprotected road users.
Those that cause damage are rarely held appropriately to account.
There are good road users everywhere overshadowed by the truly appalling and dangerous.

- Jay, London

More insensitive rabib anti-cycling comments yet again.

RIP.

As for Sue in Orpington, paying tax on a push bike??? I pay full road tax on my car, which does 1500 miles max a year. That's 8 pence a mile. That's more than many motorists pay. I cycle as I dont like sitting in stationary traffic. Therefore I pay over the odds in car tax, so stop whinging. Don't tar every one with the same brush, not all cyclists cycle badly.
And just out of interest Sue, how do you know cyclists have no insurance observing from a bus window? Assumptions again??

- Dom, London, land of insensitive rabib anti-cylists

Orpington Sue, Why should cyclist have to pay your outdated notion of road tax? It's now VED, based on emissions, even if it was a tax on using the roads, go back 200 or so years and I think you'll find there were roads around London before there were cars, so motorists don't pay to own the roads.

If you want to refer to it as road tax it would be more correct to refer to it as a tax-caused-by-the-wear-and-damage-a-vehicle-does-to-the-road/environment. Cyclists do little or no damage to either hence a cyclists VED is £0.

Oh and while I'm "balancing the books", I have 3rd party insurance (like all members of cycling groups like CTC), I do pay VED on my car, I don't jump red lights and I don't ride on the pavement, I certainly don't go up the inside of and HGV at a junction, indicating left or otherwise. As for passing indicating cars: It is cars that have to give way to cyclists if they are turning left into a junction (Rule 182 Highway code) or if your talking about cyclists filtering up through the traffic to get to the ASL, check out rule 178. I wouldn't advise going up the inside of an indicating vehicle if there isn't an ASL.

This is nether the time or the place for your broad generalisations or views of cyclists, a young lady has died, it's not the time to whinge about cyclists.

Ever thought that you don't see the good cyclists, as it's only the bad ones who stick in your mind?

My sympathies go out to Chrystelle and her family

- Graham, London

Sue in Orpington - none of what you're saying has anything to do with the cause of this accident in any way.

But no-one pays "road tax", the roads are paid for by the local council. Cars pay "Vehicle Excise Duty" proportional to the amount of damage they do the roads. Bikes don't damage the roads so they don't have to pay this. This is not the cause of any accidents as far as I'm aware.

A large proportion of cyclists are actually insured (London Cycling Campaign members get their insurance for free). Having insurance doesn't protect you from bad drivers though!

I don't know why you think we should travel in "single file", we have just as much right to the road as anyone else. We aren't blocking trafiic, we are the traffic.

- Nolan, Londonist

Cycling in London takes a certain amount of superciliousness and ignorance mixed with a failure to accept you can be killed. Don't be shocked when it happens the streets are not designed for HGVs with cyclist weaving around. I have personally seen both cyclists and HGV's do stupid things to claim either has the moral high ground is impossible. I like many other have tried to cycle into work (London) and determined my life was more important to me. 40 minutes in a smog free gym listening to the latest Katie Perry hit without fear or risk for me.

I am truly sorry Chrystelle never took this option, I hope others see the light and do not think they can fight this but decide ones own life too precious to risk

- Gary, Brentwood

Please remember the family and friends of Chrystelle when posting your comments, no one has a 'death wish' as someone said. Please use common sense and respect. Chrystelle was a beautiful person with her whole life ahead of her. I will raise a glass of the pink stuff to you

- Laura, London

Can we just balance the books a bit here. Although there are many sad casualties like this lady who ride a bike. From my own observations whilst travelling by bus in London. Do the majority of cyclists stop at red lights, no. Do cyclists pay road tax or have insurance, no. Do they take any notice of a left indicator on a car, no. Do they travel in single file, no.

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

Cars are 'you cant kill me....but I can kill you' metal boxes propelled with a motor....+ fumes.

Cyclists are unprotected, vulnerable but healthier.

Each citizen is allowed some space.Sadly some are more greedier than others + insist on huge metal boxes hogging the road.

Priorities should be given to emerg services.......trucks kept away during rush hour.Other vehicles should be uestioned...is their journey worth it?

The era of the selfish car driver ?

- Nicky, London

"but until then cycling on the road is a very dangerous activity."


Statistically, for both miles undertaken and time spent on the activity, cycling is roughly as dangerous as walking (the differences are statistically insignificant).

This story is tragic for the girl and her family, but we should all remember that awful things happen, but that cycling is actually a relatively safe activity, even in London.

I'm not advocating it, because I can't see it working, but if you removed all lorries from the roads, one might find that cycling was safer than walking.

- George, London

That corner is a death trap. The original corner had a public toilet, which was replaced by a indian restaurant, when you google that map the structure looks like a silver tube, about 2 years ago a National Express coach coming from liverpool street station, ploughed into it, demolishing it and killing the driver. it was about 3am, with little traffic, i don't think they ever found out what caused that accident. the temporary fence was placed there by the council, 2 years ago. That stretch of road also is the start of Whitechapel street market, and that time of the morning, the vans are unloading and setting up, this makes cyclists swerve out into the road to avoid them. there was a incident two monts ago, on exactly that corner, again the road was taped off and i believe a cyclist was injured. i passed by at 7.30am the day chrystelle died, the road was taped off, the stall holders said it had 'been a bad one' and i thought then this is happening not because of irresponsible cyclists, or bad driving, but a badly flawed juction.

- Sam. Resident E1, Whitechapel. Ldn

How tragic and what a waste of life. Is it responsible for the Mayor of London to encourage people to cycle in London, without first doing more to ensure that it is safe to do so? Six young women killed so far this year is six too many. HGVs and cyclists need to be clearly separated on the road and something more needs to be done to improve the visibility of cyclists to the drivers of HGV vehicles. Until he can do more to guarantee their safety, including safety assessments of all major junctions, Boris should just shut up about the wonders of the wheel.

- Louise, London

One option which would improve road safety and air quality in the cities is to ban HGVs entering city centres, system would need to allow for exceptions but should have to go through an approval process.

This has been done in Dublin.

- Cjp, London, UK

Rather than looking at blaming people, surely we should be asking: what can we all do to help?

So what can we do?

I started a facebook group to raise awareness amongst my friends (search for: cyclist hgvs) I've written to Boris/TFL about their lack of action. But there must be more we can ALL do

I'm not naive enough to think that a facebook group will save lives, but if just one more person becomes aware of the dangers of HGVs it's done a small part.

- Graham, London

Any incident such as this is a great tragedy - and, as a former UK traffic police officer, I have dealt with many - but two important points come out of it:

1. Do NOT try to move badly injured people unless they will truly be jeopardised by *not* being moved. The 'recovery position' mentioned in this article is not some sort of panacea; it is for specific situations, so if you want to be able to help, do proper first aid training.

2. Despite all the ranting, Britain has consistently been in the top few nations in the world in terms of our low rate of road deaths. Of course there is always the scope and the need for even better performance but basing criticisms on accurate facts might be a better idea than just 'going off on it'.

Those who are 'anti bicycle' need to look at the safety gains achieved in Dutch and Danish cities by turning more and more to bicycle use. London is following suit so good luck to London -- keep at it!

- Eddiew, Keswick

That corner is a death trap. 2 months ago a cyclist was struck on that corner. it is not a 'temporary' fence, a public toilet occupied that space, it was then rebuilt into a restaurant, if you look on Google, it shows the restaurant, looks like a big tube, well that in turn was demolished by a National Express coach which ploughed straight into it, killing the driver about 2 years ago. I don't think they ever worked out why, it was about 1am, and relatively little traffic. The council then just put up that 'temporay fence' about 2 years ago. The market stall holders also pull up there vans and unload along that stretch of road, so cyclists do have to swerve out.

- S. Ec1, E1 London

This is terrible tradegy, my thoughts for her family and boyfriend. I recently read that are going to be possible road traffic changes to give grater protection to cyclist. I hope these changes happen as quickly as possible, but until then cycling on the road is a very dangerous activity.

- Andrew, West Sussex

My condolences to the family... very, very sad story. Although cyclists are human and they can make mistakes, (I am one too), I find the arrogant nature of motorists to blame more of the time. For example, I was crossing at a "Give Way" junction and this vehicle was approaching the markings to stop and turn left into the main road. I carried on crossing and assumed the driver would stop as he should under Section 146 of the Highway Code, but instead he almost hit my knee with his car bumper. I didn't make much of an issue as no injuries were done, but when he then opened his car window and started mumbling telling me to watch out where I was going, I got really annoyed with his attitude. I told him it was his responsibility to drive with due care and attention and also give way as he was approaching the "Give Way" markings. He replied by saying yes he was giving way but ONLY to the oncoming traffic!!! Can you believe some of these drivers’ attitude. I asked him if it was OK to run me over then, perhaps not bothering to look out for pedestrians. His replies become more and more feeble and he mumbled something under his breath and drove off! Therefore I would say get all road users to sit psychometric tests and weed out the psychos and lunatics off from the road for good.

- Lee, Edgware, Middlesex

I feel for her family and the driver.

This is part of a Standard campagain "Safer cycling", so we don't read of a similar pedestrian being killed - there is no "safer walking "

The only solution is to make the roads exclusively for cycles. There is not enough space on london roads to seperate them completely which would be ideal.

The existing cycle lanes are a nonsense, split the pavement then suddenly stop waste of time and annoy cyclists/predestrians.

I've not driven reg for 10 yrs, do now. Was a cyclist before. The standard of driving has deterioated. Road schemes making drivers switch lanes often just to obey the law, causes accidents.

So has the standard of cycling. There is an evengelical zeal to some cyclists (the new ones).

I see so many cyclist put their lives into others hands rather than keep them in their own.

Talking to a friend who cycles to work and compared his to my my style of cycling he said "that would take you ages to get to work" but I got there in one piece!!

Pedestrians are also to blame stepping out texting or reading.

The main problem is cyclists cannot see what is behind them, they cannot get a good view turning their head, it makes them unstable and they can only see 30-40 degrees. This is compunded by wearing headphones so blocking off one of your best warning systems.

- Bob, london

Some of the comments on here are shocking.

A tragic loss of life and all people can do is post the usual anti-cycling nonsense. You should be ashamed of yourselves

London streets will never be safe for cyclists so it would be in their own interests for driving there to be completely banned.

- Fixie Hipster Foundry Boy, London

Poor girl. What a tragic waste of life. I once nearly got killed on the Euston Road. Never driven a bicycle since on London roads -it is Russian Roulette! What is needed is much larger wing mirrors on cars and lorry drivers need extra training on the dangers of bicycles.

- James Price, London

"London streets will never be safe for cyclists so it would be in their own interests for cycling there to be completely banned."


As thousands of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles every year perhaps it would be a better idea if they were banned from the roads.

- Paul Barrow, Whitstable. UK

They should make people take a psych test before giving lessons, otherwise you have people like DAN, London on the road killing people. London has the most vindictive drivers I have ever seen in any city. In London look out, pedestrians as well, because trucks, cars, cabs will run you down. RIP Chrystelle

- Mike, London

I've been cycling (a lot) in our greate city for nigh on 20 years, never been injured by another vehicle.

If they published all the stories of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured you "cycling is dangerous" lot would never leave your house!

- Prj45, London

Regarding some of the remarks on here, let's show a bit of respect and sensitivity rather than casting blame on all cyclists in general and, by implication, the victim of this accident - kindly leave the circumstances surrounding her death to the inquest, not the mob.

If Vallance Road / Whitechapel Road junction is indeed dangerous, then it should be made safe without delay. Since it is a red route, responsibility for it belongs to Transport for London, and thus Boris - which should hopefully make a difference.

- Austen, London

such a shame. remember behind the stats are families and friends of those who have died whose lives will not be the same again. best of luck to all who campaign for road safety.

- Jim, LONDON

Pedestrian/Cyclist collisions have resulted in 3 deaths in the last 5 years, compared to over 15,000 caused by motor vehicles.

I've been overtaken by many cars and lorries that suddenly turn left before they've even finished overtaking. I've also seen cyclists travel down the left of lorries that are already indicating.

I think everyone needs to be educated about this dangerous situation due to the awful consequences.

The roads are safer for everyone when when more people cycle. It needs to be encouraged.

- Cyclist, london

What a terrible tragedy. How sad also that people have decided to use this woman's death to go on about cycling on pavements yet again, an issue that is clearly nothing to do with this accident.

10 people EVERY DAY killed by cars and lorries in the UK.

- Nolan, Londonist

Can the people commenting here show a little respect for Chrystelle Brown rather than using it as an excuse for their own personal little anti cycling rant, Dan, Thomas etc

RIP Chrstelle and lets hope something positive comes out of this.

- David, London

To think that the buffoon known as Boris Johnon is proposing relaxing rules on our roads. Perhaps he thinks everyone should run red lights and cycle on the pavements like he admits to doing.

- Keith Price, Luton England

There's no such thing as road safety, people drive when they want, and how they want. Cyclists kill people too, they come flying out of nowhere on the pavements!

- Dan, London

Condolences to the family. It would be interesting to understand why it was not possible to raise the emergency services using mobile phones. I cycled in London 20 years ago when I was a student and it was very dangerous then. Traffic "planning" and poor state of road surfaces have made things even worse year on year. It is time that London moved forward and separated large vehicles from cyclists. TFL and the DfT have failed dismally to resolve this problem. Radical new ideas are desperately needed to prevent London becoming even more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

- Dannyp, Egham

Very sad but let's be honest, anyone who cycles in any city must have a death with !

- Jr, Haugesund, Norway

So how exactly did the situation look like? What road was she comming off and what road was the truck on? Did the truck hit her from behind? I may be wrong, but on the google maps this junction does not look like a "death trap" at all.

I do not want to judge this particular case, but as a motorcycle rider I notice more than 90% of cyclists in London are literally asking for an accident by not observing the street lights!

- K, London

How terribly sad, what a waste of a life....

- George, London

London streets will never be safe for cyclists so it would be in their own interests for cycling there to be completely banned.

- Thomas, London

poor woman... unfortunate waste of life!! RIP
good luck to the fight for cyclists safety!

- Bri, london

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