Coroner report into cycling fatalities

This Assembly notes that inquests into the deaths of cyclists Brian Dorling and Philippine de Gerin-Ricard, have reported. The Assembly sends its condolences to their families and friends following this tragic loss of life.

The Assembly notes with concern the criticisms made at the inquests of design and layout of Cycle Superhighway 2 by police and other witnesses who had advised Transport for London against parts of the road layouts on the first Cycle Superhighways. 

The Assembly also notes the formal “Regulation 28” report from Senior Coroner Mary Hassell entitled “Prevention of Future Deaths”, which says in part, “During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.

In particular the Assembly notes the three areas highlighted in the report: confusion over the status of un-bordered blue strips of paint forming part of Cycle Superhighway 2; the need for more education for road users about cycling; and the difficulties faced by those cycling around the Whitechapel High Street and Commercial Street junction on Cycle Superhighway 2. 

Following the Mayor’s announcement today (06.11.13) that his Cycle Superhighways will be reviewed, this Assembly calls on the Mayor to take urgent action to ensure these routes are made as safe as possible for cyclists, taking fully in to account the criticisms made during the inquest and in the Coroner’s report.

Further, recognising the extensive cross-party work that has been carried out on this important issue to Londoners, this Assembly requests that the matter be considered in detail by the London Assembly’s Transport Committee at its 10 December meeting, which will be attended by the Mayor’s ‘cycling tsar’, Andrew Gilligan.

This Assembly is disturbed to receive reports that another cyclist has been killed in collision with an HGV on Cycle Superhighway 2 on the night of 5 November 2013. The Assembly records its condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist and calls on the Mayor to recognise the urgency needed to review this and other dangerous routes in London