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It is certainly worthwhile for all contributors to this blog to visit the accident site which is the A41, junction 4 slip road. This part of the A41 is two lane (i am not sure whether it is defined as a dual carriageway). It is designed in a similar way to a high speed turn off for jets when they land at airports. An effective way to get off the main road without slowing down. Look 15 metres into the slip road and you will see the kerb lowered, no signs for pedestrian, cyclist or motorist. We dont know whether the poor lady was crossing the slip road from the A41 or the drop kerb 'crossing'. Either way, she unfortunately she wouldnt have stood a chance. I believe the blame lies firmly in the council for not recognising this as a potential death trap for cyclists and people on foot trying to cross the slip road. There is no other way to cross. This road is not your little side street, it is designed as a fast turn off from the A41 onto a motorway with no slow down notices signs or precautions.I hope the council / planners redesign this junction before another tragerdy. Cyclist may be allowed on this road, but you must totally nuts to try and cycle across a motorway slip road which was designed for speed. My heart goes out to the Sheldrake family for a loss that could have so easily been avoided had the slip road area provided some safety.

- Eric Dobson, Borehamwood, 06/05/2010 02:59
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Our World is a sadder place our hearts broken in two our lives will never be the same because we have not got you our beautiful daughter Zoe Anne was taken from our world on the 26-04-10 God bless you darling until we meet again love you lots Mum &Dad

- Sandre Sheldrake, London, 04/05/2010 23:40
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If the accident happened where I think it did, it wasn't really on a road at all, but on a cycle track from Edgware to Watford, alongside the A41.

The cycle track must be nearly three quarters of a century old now, built in age when British cycle tracks and Dutch cycle tracks were pretty similar.

However, when the M1 was extended towards London, I suppose some time about 40 or 50 years ago, the traffic engineers built a slip road from the 60 mph speed limit A41 to the M1, right across the bike path.

It looks as if they gave no thought at all to the problems this might cause to cyclists.

I don't think there are any "cycle route ahead" caution signs (see p75 of the Highway Code) to warn motorists of this hazard

The death must have been a classic slip-road accident combined with a classic cycle track accident

See pages 149 and 191 of John Franklin's "Cyclecraft" (2007 edition) which will tell you all about what must have happened, and how to prevent it happening to you

- Jremy Parker, Barnet UK, 30/04/2010 21:16
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More people should be like Derek, Esher, and learn to share the road. The problem is people aren't taught in schools or their parents to share anymore. Yesterday there was an article on a guy who deliberately ran down and killed a cyclist, obviously he wanted the road to himself. There are too many people in London that cannot share anything, and its become such a sad place for living.

- Mike, London, 29/04/2010 10:26
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This is only 2 weeks after my son's friend Jayne was killed in Oxford Street.My condolences to the family of Zoe.Boris Johnson's idea of making people taking the driving test more cycle aware will not have an effect on all the foreign and illegal drivers.Also if public transport was cheaper then people like my son who only earns minimum wage wouldn't need to cycle

- Saly, Chichester, 29/04/2010 10:11
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I find some of these comments really sad considering someone has died. I cycle (on the road not the pavement), use lights, dont jump lights, indicate & I took cycling training & a test. I've been cycling for 30+ years on the road. Now most cyclists are law abiding, but there are a few that give cyclists a bad name. But what I have noticed more is not the bad cyclists but the impatient drivers or drivers with a totla disregard for cyclists. Got to overtake and beat the cyclist to the lights even though they are only 5-10 yards away. Overtaking while on a mobile phone, then slamming on the brakes & turning left nearly taking out the cyclist. And the worse; cars not stopping at roundabouts & nearly driving through the cyclist. This happens to me a least once a week even though I clearly indicate. Again, drivers either being impatient or just don't like the fact they have to give way to a bike. Just some of the sort of things I see every day on my bike. If drivers were just a little more patient, or they allowed themselves a little more time to travel, rather that impatiently hairing about, then the road may be a little safer for some of the cyclists. Obviously thoes who cycle up on the inside of lorries at junctions, or jump red lights are just asking for an accident.

- 2 Wheels, London, EU, 29/04/2010 10:04
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As always, a personal tragedy has been used as a soapbox by ignorant people with opinions.
My apologies to Zoe's the friends and family, but I do feel that some of these must be answered.
Cyclists do pay tax.
The taxes that cyclists pay go towards road building and maintenance just as much as the taxes that motorists pay.
"Road Tax" (correctly but unhelpfully called Vehicle Exise Duty) does not pay for the roads and never has. It is a licence to use a motor-vehicle on the public roads and in no way confers ownership of them.
VED is also a licence to pump toxic waste into the air that everyone breathes. Motor vehicles that don't poison the air do not incur it.
Insurance is not a tax on motoring. It is a way of ensuring that motorists can meet the cost of any damage that they cause in the event of an accident. The premiums are high because motorists cause many accidents and do an awful lot of damage. If you were all better drivers then the premiums would be lower. Harder tests would bring the premiums down!
Cyclists and pedestrians have less capacity to cause damage and so are expected to be able to meet any cost without being insured. Cyclists can be insured and the premiums are very low. This is because the insurance companies deal with facts rather than prejudice and set the premiums accordingly.
Motorists are trained and tested to prevent them being a danger on the roads. The worst cyclist in the world is less likely to kill someone than the best motorist.

- Don Shipp, Barnet, Herts., 29/04/2010 08:41
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I passed my driving test 5 years ago and to me having cyclists on the road is nothing strange or unusual and I have no problems in sharing the road. Yes there are idiot cyclists around but there are an equal number of idiot drivers. When I took my test I had to pass two theory tests which the vast majority of drivers on the road probably did not need to do. Perhaps we should make everyone take a refresher course! To me using an indicator is second nature, it was the way my instructor drummed it into me, but the number of drivers who just don't bother is frightening. We are never going to have a perfect situation so can we please just learn to share the roads and stop blaming each other but learn to INDICATE!

- Derek, Esher, Surrey, 29/04/2010 08:14
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I challenge everybody who has written comments stating cyclists cause all the problems to do this: get on a bike and cycle around London for a day, obeying all the rules, stopping at all red lights, doing all the right things. You will be surprised how many attempts will be made on your life by car and van drivers cutting you up, not signalling and generally driving as if nobody else was there. Go on - I dare you.

- Robin, London, 29/04/2010 00:21
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There seems to be a common misconception that "Roads are designed for cars".
They are not.
The ONLY roads designed for cars in Britain are motorways, which cyclists cannot legally use. Nearly all the others were built before cars were invented and are quite obviously not designed to be used by large, heavy, powerful, fast-moving vehicles of any kind. Cars can not be used safely on roads designed when Britain was less crowded than it is now, nothing moved faster than a horse and most journeys were made on foot; unlike bikes which can navigate the medieval streets of our Towns and Cities and our narrow, winding county lanes alike without bringing death and danger to any of them.

- Don Shipp, Barnet, Herts., 28/04/2010 23:11
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I wouldn't ride a bike in London even if you paid me. The people who design and manage our roads should be shot. They are responsible for creating most of the dangers on our road. The Brixton one way system that is just having its finishing touches, is another disaster waiting to happen. A pavement that few pedestrians use is 3 times as wide as the road next to it, with a bottle neck on a bend added to it.How long before an accident here?, this junction on Effra road and St Matthews is another example of how our road network has become unfit for purpose.

- Mr S.Port, London, 28/04/2010 22:56
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Like others who have posted comments here, I have witnessed a lot of dangerous and illegal behaviour by cyclists. However, there is no suggestion that the victim here was doing anything dangerous or illegal.
I see far, far more offences comitted by motorists. I see dangerous driving more often than I see dangerous cycling. This does not mean that in this instance the motorist was at fault.
Cyclists make up less than 5% of all traffic accident deaths. If the driving test was made harder it might save the lives of a great many motorists and pedestrians as well as a handful of cyclists. So what's wrong with that?

- Don Shipp, Barnet, Herts., 28/04/2010 22:47
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cyclists may go through red lights most of the time and mount the pavement and go back on to the road.for drivers when they start out there driving leason`s the instructor will notify you of the dangers on the road i.e the little pizza men on there pop pops and motor cyclists/cyclists as they are told in the theory test book "you see a cyclist ahead what should you do" a " go past sounding your horn hollering abuse" B " give them a wide berth ,and plenty of room" not forgetting if you are in traffic and you have past a cyclist. The cyclist would be approching you from behind, if you are stationary unless the cyclist changes route. Therefore what you have learnt in your driving leasons should stick in your mind throughout your driving career. that is to give cyclists/motor cyclists a wide berth.Its easy to blame the cyclist/motor cyclist because they have no proctection around them like you do in a car. and drivers should stick to the speed limit of 50 mph rather than 70mph and not weave between traffic then fatal accidents like this may not happen. Rember the advert look, look and look again for cyclists/motor cyclists. speed limits are there for a reason Remember the signs kill your speed?? plus those who have not had to deal with a family tragedy like this it easy for those to blame the cyclist. R.I.P NIECE/COUSIN ZOE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX WILL BE MISSED SADLY

- carole mugridge, enfield middlesex, 28/04/2010 20:26
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DJC - I,m not saying you're wrong but ''most'' stop etc after accident is hardly right. Same as saying 'most' people don't steal! Just because something costs more to administer doesn't make it wrong if those that benefit (by your inference are cyclists) are ignoring the law and rules of the road. You have therefore condoned a lack of liability for a group who could (minority accepted) cause accidents and worse on our roads - some accidents being vehicle to vehicle caused by a cyclist where drivers swerve to avoid.

- Nick, amersham, 28/04/2010 19:55
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@Anon, London, 28/04/2010 16:54

Sadly anyone can come up with stories as to who is to blame for what. I have been a pedestrian in London a few times and honestly have to say cyclists dont bother me there, but the drivers there put the fear of god into me. (And thats a shocking statement considering I'm an athiest)

If you have a problem with a cyclist over certain routes then why havent you reported the problem to the Police?

- DJC, Hampshire, 28/04/2010 19:50
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What about the motorist? It's quite possible, infact, it's even probable, that the cyclist was a novice and crossing a lane that was a feeder to the M1 motorway, didn't exercise due caution, but nobody has mentioned the motorist?

The man, regardless of circumstances, (yet to be established), now needs to live with the loss every day of his life, in the knowledge that whether he was responsible for someone's death, or not, he was party to it, yet nothing is said of him.

There are plenty of comments regarding cyclists failing to exercise due care and yet....and I say it again, what about the motorist and what he is going through and will continue to go through and re-live in his mind, every single day, for as long as he lives!

Motorists are not always automatically guilty and maybe he isn't? Yet nothing has been said in his defence, as when cyclist meets driver, it's always deemed to be the motorist's fault. The cyclist ony started wearing a helmet after she was nagged to by her father, so maybe she was inexperienced and she inadvertently made an error of judgement when attempting to cross such a major junction?

And so, even with a most tragic and desperately unnecessary loss of a young woman's life, I ask again, what about the motorist?

Rest in peace Zoe Sheldrake and for your family and friends, I pray that in time, your family may once again know happiness and joy.

- Martyn Sinclair, Edgware, 28/04/2010 18:48
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Here we go!! lets have another Test, Lets have another Licence to buy,lets all wear stupid hats,what stupid idiots we are as Human Beings,where does it all start? Oxford and Cambridge!!!!

- Davey_bouy, Chertsey, 28/04/2010 18:10
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And to think that the poor grieving family of this bright young woman who has been taken in such a terrible manner might come to this article and read some of these hateful, spiteful, mis-informed and generalising comments ranting on about 'cyclists bringing it on themselves, tax them, train them, we are perfect road users unlike those mad death-wish cyclists'...

Shame on you! Have you no compassion? A family has lost a daughter, somebody DIED for christ's sakes! Show some respect.

- MarkA, Bethnal Green, 28/04/2010 18:07
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As somebody that has driven through Central London (a handful of times) I have to say that I have seen plenty of examples where they have put their own lives at risk.

1) Cyclist pokes out between parked cars, and decides to cycle straight across my path just after I've moved off.

2) At a junction in Central London, a lorry is indicating left. Cyclist decides he will go in the lorry's blind-spot rather than wait just behind the lorry to allow it to turn. Had the lorry driver not done a wider turn than what was needed for his lorry, that cyclist would of been crushed!

3) I'm driving adjacent to Hyde Park, cyclist decides he is going to move himself all the way over to the right without showing any motorist his intension.

I'm sorry but after experiencing what I did when driving through Central London, cyclists have proven they're an accident waiting to happen!

- Anon, London, 28/04/2010 16:54
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"...register the bikes (as they do in some european countries) and possibly even have insurance. Its not always the vehicle driver who is at fault.

- Nick, amersham, 28/04/2010 15:40"

As far as I'm aware only one country in Europe still has a bicycle licensing system - and they're getting rid of it next year due to excessive admin costs, failure to rectify cycle thefts with it and because the majority of cyclists out there are proved not to be the cause of collisions and injuries.

The insurance issue is a bit of a daft red herring. I have cycle insurance, as do many. If you cause damage with a cycle there is little risk of injury compared to the motorvehicle. Legally you're still obliged to exchange details (unless the cyclist is seriously injured, shock etc) and can still be take to court..

..and before people say cyclists are untraceable.. again - red herring. Most stop. This has been shown in Police records. I'm not talking near miss or being brushed but actual collision. Plates on cars, it should remember, have failed to stop speeding, agressive driving, tailgaiting, you name it.

- DJC, Hampshire, 28/04/2010 16:53
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I really think people need to have a sense of perspective here. Stop blaming different "groups" and please have a look at the facts.

-Cycle deaths are not that high compared to motorcyclists, or even pedestrian deaths.

-The VAST majority of adult cyclists happen to drive and own full license - usually with a fully taxed car back at home too. The Institute of Advanced Motorists and co have a lot of research on this

-Not all cyclists in London who have been killed by collisions with large vehcles (HGV, LGV etc) were undertaking. One was killed by a driver who tried to overtake through a pinch point, two overtook on a junction (illegal) and turned left.

Perhaps the paper can do an analysis and break down of investigation/court findings?

-There is NO law of presumed liability in the UK. It is NOT presumed guilt in a criminal sense either. The Euro law actually forces an insurer to pay out to a more vulnerable party. Personally I would like to see it happen, it would even make bad cyclists pay up if they hit a pedestrian nipping through red lights ad crossings.

-Lastly THE VERY MOST important thing here is that some poor woman has died! Have a little heart and a little common sense. There is nothing to suggest what has happened other than a collision resulting in death.

- DJC, Hampshire, 28/04/2010 16:37
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Cyclists on the whole have a death wish and show it by their refusal to obey the highway code. The capital has spent millions on them by giving them designated cycle paths and even allowing them to use the foot paths in the Royal Parks. Motorists already have passed driving tests but cyclists have no formal training before their being allowed on the public highway. Come on! Boris bring in proficency tests for cyclists and thus save money on councilling for the berieved parents and the unfortunate traumatised motorists.

- Alexis Dogilewski, Kingston-upon-Thames, 28/04/2010 16:31
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Although his sarcasm is undeniably misplaced Alex does have a point. Instead of having a cycling proficiency or 'Bikeability' we should have a formal test the same as those for drivers, in order to drive on a road.
Cycling on a London road is probably more dangerous than driving, so why should it be monitored so much less?

- Helen, Romford, 28/04/2010 16:28
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Alex, my main point was that witty sarcasm after this event is misplaced. Obviously you don't think so.

I agree with the comments of Dr Stan Moore on here, though it seems we're in a minority. A young woman's died and her family's grieving. Yet some think it's fine to use the occasion to push their criticisms of cyclists in general and, by association whether they intend to or not, the person who was killed.

What happened to common decency, the feeling that there's a time and a place, forbearance, standing back, holding one's tongue for a moment, and all those other apparently outmoded ideas?

- Mike, Cardiff UK, 28/04/2010 16:27
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I am somewhat confused by this story. The stretch of road where this accident happened has a cycle lane running on both sides of the road. So how did the collision happen?

If the driver collided with the cyclist on the cycle lane then s/he is definitely at fault. The driver would have to mount the grass verge to hit the cyclist.

If this is not what happened, the question as to why the unfortunate cyclist was not using the cycle lane has to be asked.

- RSB, London, 28/04/2010 16:20
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Why dont you all stop and think of the poor family that has lost a daughter and a sister through absolutly no fault of their own. I myself am a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a car / van and a LGV driver and I believe that every car driver should be better educated, thats not to say that cyclists / motorcyclists shouldnt but if every car driver were to ride in london just once I think it would open their eyes to the dangers a cyclist / motorcyclist faces on a daily basis. My sincere condolencies to the Sheldrake family. R.I.P Zoe

- Gary, Elstree, 28/04/2010 16:07
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Barking Mad

95% of cyclists already drive, and have a driving licence, so 'safety tests' as you put them are not necessary. Indeed, cyclists have the lowest 'at fault' rating where collisions occur, so perhaps motorists should be taking lessons from those who cycle?

Gooner

95% of cyclists already drive and own cars. In any case, drivers do not 'own' the road, or indeed 'pay' for it. Roads are paid for out of general taxation, and the tax you (sorry, we) get charged for using our cars, is simply that - TAX.

If you ride a bike, or walk, or ride a horse, you have an absolute right to use the road, because roads are paid for by the local council tax payers. If you want to drive a car, you are only their because you have a revocable licence to do so.

This poor woman had an absolute right to be where she was, and someone with a revocable licence has killed her. He now has to face the court and explain his actions. Sadly, the court can't bring Zoe back.

- George, London, 28/04/2010 15:49
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I am not saying this is the case this time and any loss of life is to be regretted but much of the time cyclists ignore the highway code - many times I have had to avoid cyclists (and pedestrians) when I have right of way at lights etc. Perhaps all cyclists should be made to pass the proficiency test, register the bikes (as they do in some european countries) and possibly even have insurance. Its not always the vehicle driver who is at fault.

- Nick, amersham, 28/04/2010 15:40
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Here, here, Alex

- Sam, Gravesend, 28/04/2010 15:23
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Is it not? My mistake then, I won't be going to law school though. Has it always been this way or has the law changed on it recently?

It is sad that this woman has been killed. By the sound of it by an idiot driver. Cyclists do have the right to use the roads, but I think the blame can go to stupid cyclists aswell as stupid drivers.

Also I think cyclists should take into consideration that we pay insurance, tax etc. so cars should take priority as we pay through our noses to use the roads.

There's nothing more irritating than an ignorant cyclist with his headphones in oblivious to what's around him. They just assume cars will look out for them (not that they shouldn't) and because they're vulnerable they don't think it's their responsibility to take care aswell.

- Gooner, England, 28/04/2010 15:21
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Ok, When motorists stop using the Advance Stop Lines to burn off at the lights to get one car ahead, stop texting or using their mobile phones including holding their mobile while talking through the loud speaker, stop cutting into the cycle lane, stop overtaking me then suddenly slaming on their breaks to turn left, stop revving their engine when they are trying to overtake me, stop reading their receipt books / A to Z while driving (Black Cab drivers), stop opening their car doors without looking, stop pulling out from side steets in front of me generally stop being so aggesive and calm down then I should be able to abide by the traffic laws. And please stop banging on about cyclists having to pay for Road tax as 1. there is no such thing and 2. It is based on vehicle emissions with some cars not having to pay.

- DC, London, 28/04/2010 15:02
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Mike, Cardiff UK: This and other articles imply that cyclists are at no fault, when in fact we have no idea what really is taking place on the roads, however; If cyclists were made to take road safety tests, as do motorcyclists, then overall safety on the roads would improve all around, other wise why have road safety tests for cars etc? To cycle a bike on the roads with lorries, buses, cars and motorcycles and have no training for this blows my mind indeed and it is ignorant to think it would not help in some shape or sort. Will it stop deaths, no, but it will make cyclists more aware of the dangers of using a bike on our over congested streets and give them sfaty skills? Of course it will. I for one would never cycle on the streets of London, just like how i would never use a motorcycle on them, even though owning a dirt bike when i was younger. I look after number one and dont blame others.

- Barking Mad, East London, UK, 28/04/2010 14:56
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"Erm, that's the law here aswell. If you hit a pedestrian or cyclist it is the drivers' fault whether he was in the wrong or not. "

Erm, no it's not.

Off to law school with you, my dear fellow Gooner!

- Paul, London, 28/04/2010 14:47
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"Very sorry for all the deaths but you can see every day cyclists cycling irresponsibly and breaking the law."

What evidence do you have that the recent fatalities were doing anything other than riding along obeying the law? None of them have been reported as doing anything else. There's a deeper issue here, which is that the roads are designed for cars and lorries and are, in many places (such as gyratory systems), actively hostile to cyclists.

"personal mobility and individual freedom."

Er, Boris champions the bicycle *precisely* for this reason. Your attaching a lump of metal and an engine to the concept is irrelevant.

- Tom, London, UK, 28/04/2010 14:33
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A relative of mine sustained a serious head injury after falling from his bike amongst a pack of cyclists leaving his workplace. The injury was caused by another cyclist. Isn't it about time everyone realised that cycling is a very dangerous occupation and ought to be subject to more control (licensing and formal training) - especially if the rider is to use public highways?

- Nora, London, UK, 28/04/2010 14:23
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There is absolutely NO evidence that this poor woman was riding on a footpath, running a red light, going up the inside of a lorry, not wearing a helmet etc when she was killed.

For all the commentators jumping to conclusions without even reading the article, this woman was apparently a model road user doing everything that the anti-cyclist brigade would wish her to do. But they still feel they can tar all bicycle users with the same brush.

Riding a bike can be simply frightening, on a daily basis, however careful you are. Make a mistake on a bike, and you may end up dead. Make a mistake in a car, and you may scratch your paintwork. That is why drivers should be held accountable, because of their errors are magnified by the 1.5 tons of metal they are responsible for.

Anyone who kills while in charge of a car or lorry should be banned for life. If it were the case, they might take their responsibility seriously.

The problem with car drivers (and I am one) is that they believe they have 'accidents'. And if they're 'accidents', then they must be excusable. Start charging them with manslaughter and murder and perhaps attitudes might change.

- George, London, 28/04/2010 14:05
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"Is Alex saying there wouldn't have been an accident if Ms Sheldon had passed one of those "tough driving tests for cyclists"?

Or is Alex saying that the tragedy of Ms Sheldon's death is somehow diminished because other cyclists ride so badly?"

He is saying neither. He is saying that he would like driving tests and licenses for cyclists, no more, no less.


"Cyclists need similair laws to Holland and Germany where motorists are automatically deemed to be guilty if they strike a more vulnerable road user with their vehicles."

Not true in the case of Germany at least. Cyclists can be held partially guilt, depends on the nature of the accident. Also cyclists in Germany can be issued on the spot fines for things like running red lights, hindering pedestrians, or not using cycle paths.

- Alex, Fulham, 28/04/2010 13:59
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I would vote for a training day for cyclists who use main roads/commuter routes into London. Not for everyone who buys a bike, that would be unfeasable and unwarranted. But designated routes into and in London where cyclists need to have done something similar to a CBT (for moped users), to teach them the how to ride safely and responsibly. I am a scooter rider into London, and for every cyclist who rides responsbily, there are many more who, sadly, do not.

- Mike O, London, 28/04/2010 13:55
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There are some truly crass and insensitive comments here. Why jump on a story about a tragic death in order to slag people off based on their mode of transport? In fact, in most vehicle/cyclist collisions it is the DRIVER who is at fault (Source Dept Transport, TFL)


With adult cyclists, police found the driver solely responsible in about 60%-75% of all cases, and riders solely at fault 17%-25% of the time.

It makes sense when you think about it, cyclists don't have the protection of a two ton steel cage so they are naturally averse to collisions of any kind since the consequences will be worse than some scratched paintwork.

I wonder what Boris's letter said, if it included a day's cycling on the roads as part of the driving test then it would be constructive.

This poor family, the father's words are heart breaking.

- Dr Stan Moore, Barnes, 28/04/2010 13:42
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"Erm, that's the law here aswell. If you hit a pedestrian or cyclist it is the drivers' fault whether he was in the wrong or not. - Gooner, England "

No, if you take the time to check you will find that in the UK (as opposed to many other countries), this presumption does not exist. (And fatality rates partly as a consequence are far higher here).

Also, let us hope that if those posting the usual anti-cycling comments are ever to be innocent victims of a road crash, the news will not be met with the ill-informed, thoughtless and reactionary comments posted here.

- Kevin, Stoke Newington, 28/04/2010 13:41
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I don't think the issue here should be blame rather the tragic reality that another cyclist had been killed. I cannot understand why we are all being encouraged to cycle when the injury and death statistics are as high as they are. Even if I cycled to work and made it there alive, the chances of my bike being where I left it at the end of the working day are remote. Give me the tube any day of the week!

- Victoria, London, UK, 28/04/2010 13:37
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"Motorists automatically deemed to be guilty if they strike a more vulnerable road user with their vehicles"?
- Get a life, Bill Pitt.

Holding someone guilty for a crime they did not commit and where an irresponsible cyclist could be 100% at fault stoops even below the low standards of New Labour.

I suspect your real agenda is motorist-bashing. Trouble is Boris is too dumb to sense he has been taken for a ride by the dinosaurs of the class warrior era, marked by their resentment of personal mobility and individual freedom.

- Jools, London, 28/04/2010 13:37
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I am a cyclist but some of them are just stupid. They ride on the pavement go through red lights and the police just turn a blind eye. On the roads in London you have to be careful.

- Frederick, London, 28/04/2010 13:32
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Aren't most cyclists killed by lorries?

The problem there is two-fold. Cyclists put themselves in great peril by cycling up the inside between a large vehicle and the kerb. And the driver of the large vehicle doesn't notice them. Often he can't, there is a blind spot.

I can't help thinking that it is cyclists who should be licensed and required to pass some sort of test, in order to make them aware of the dangers, and to attempt to force some sense into the biggest idiots. "Undertaking" is a really bad idea. Shooting red lights is illegal. Cycling on pavements is illegal. Many cyclists do all these things every day, putting pedestrians and themselves at risk.

- Nigel, London, 28/04/2010 13:10
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Enforce the charges of murder or manslaughter with every death on the road, and you just might see fewer deaths on all UK roads etc.

This includes pedestrians, as well as all other road users etc.

- mickinlondon, london, 28/04/2010 13:06
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"I expect at the same time Boris will call for tough driving tests for cyclists?"

Is Alex saying there wouldn't have been an accident if Ms Sheldon had passed one of those "tough driving tests for cyclists"?

Or is Alex saying that the tragedy of Ms Sheldon's death is somehow diminished because other cyclists ride so badly?

Either way, witty sarcasm after such an event is misplaced.

- Mike, Cardiff UK, 28/04/2010 12:38
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Boris, driving standards are already acceptable, just a driver’s attitude may not be.
So what about our beloved cyclist’s knowledge are they so road worthy? Bendy buses, juggernauts & cyclists weaving in & out of traffic or in the middle of the road acting like they are having a country stroll are frightening for drivers as well!
My sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones due to these accidents, but I do think it’s not just the motorist fault.

- James, London, 28/04/2010 12:34
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Cyclists need similair laws to Holland and Germany where motorists are automatically deemed to be guilty if they strike a more vulnerable road user with their vehicles.

- Bill Pitt, Victoria, 28/04/2010 11:31

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Erm, that's the law here aswell. If you hit a pedestrian or cyclist it is the drivers' fault whether he was in the wrong or not.

I can feel sympathetic for cyclists in central London what with the lack of proper cycle paths and crowded pavements.

But when you see cyclists on main roads with limits of 40 to 60 mph it's asking for trouble. Especially when most of the time there is a perfectly good pavement next to them with no one walking on it.

They use the road system however they choose. They'll cycle in front of you holding everyone up but when there's a red light they'll conveniently hop up the pavement and go past. If cyclists are to use the roads they've got to abide to the rules of the road. Not abiding to the ones they want to for their own convenience.

- Gooner, England, 28/04/2010 12:31
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"I expect at the same time Boris will call for tough driving tests for cyclists?"

Well, no, because there's no such thing. If you mean Bikeability then maybe Zoe had done it. The driver's been arrested, show some common decency please.

- Dr Stan Moore, Barnes, 28/04/2010 12:14
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While nobody wants to hear of cyclists being killed or having accidents, it is something of a miracle that more cyclists are not involved in accidents because the stupidity of some is just mindblowing. And if you want an example, just try going over Chelsea Bridge at morning rush hour. Its as if neither cars or motorbikes exist. Just plain arriogance.

- Jez,, Clapham, 28/04/2010 12:05
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rather than make drivers take a new test why dont you make cyclists take A test.

- daveb, london, 28/04/2010 11:45
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Its ashame to read these things, but more cyclists go through red lights than cars!
Cyclists need to know they don't have any laws, they must abide by them as if they were car drivers..

- adrian, london, 28/04/2010 11:41
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Skip drivers doing 40 in 20 areas : busses , taxis and vans going through very red lights : drivers speeding to over take you then turning left ; busses trying to push you out of the bus(cycle) lanes ; potholes everywhere thanks to Thames Water - This is my daily commute . Drivers forget that whilst we may slow them down occasionally they must remember if they hit us we die , if we hit them they may have to fix a wing mirror or T-Cut a scratch .

- matt, London, 28/04/2010 11:33
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My condolences to the Families and friends of all the cyclists that have been killed on our roads.
Mayor Johnsons suggestion of toughening the driving test is unlikely to help make the roads safer for cyclists.
Most people adjust their driving style once they have passed their test.
Real legislative changes are needed to force motorists to slow down and give cyclists the space they deserve.
I would like to see a speed limit reduction to 20mph on all roads except dual carriageways and motorways.
More traffic Police should be deployed and all traffic laws enforced rigourously.A well run traffic unit could easily be self-financing,as they are in the USA,through keeping some of the fines.
Average road speeds in London have not increased since the days of the Horse and carriage,it is possible to cover short distances quicker by bike than by car.Many more people would choose to cycle if roads were made safer,thereby making the environment more pleasant for all.
Cyclists need similair laws to Holland and Germany where motorists are automatically deemed to be guilty if they strike a more vulnerable road user with their vehicles.

- Bill Pitt, Victoria, 28/04/2010 11:31
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Boris missing the point. Very sorry for all the deaths but you can see every day cyclists cycling irresponsibly and breaking the law. They just don't realise how vulnerable they are when they break the rules and they also need to use more common sense ever when they are obeying the rules.

- Stephen C, London, 28/04/2010 11:11
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I expect at the same time Boris will call for tough driving tests for cyclists?

- Alex, Fulham, 28/04/2010 11:04
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