If you support segregated cycling infrastructure in Hackney

Of London’s “cycle superhighway” plans, however, Gehl is sceptical. For starters: “I don’t like the word ‘superhighway’ – we’ve got that word from another branch of transportation.” And, he adds, these lanes will only ever get you part of the way. “Then, the last half-kilometre, cyclists will have to take chances in places where there is no infrastructure.” Much better if, as in Copenhagen, these grander cycles lanes also filter into good bicycle lanes on every street: “That makes it a system which is safe from door to door.”

Transport for London’s segregated cycle lane plan for Blackfriars junction.
http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/dec/08/jan-gehl-make-cities-liveable-urban-rethinker

You do get side swiped in London. It happens a lot, sometimes drivers want the lane you're riding in! You have to dominate, make eye contact, be assertive, and even then drivers side swipe you. Going south over London Bridge was dodgy as hell when bendy buses started. You will get pushed out of the way if you're timid on a bike in London.