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@tiddy
This is indeed tragic. It’s also yet another example of a female cyclist being killed at a junction by an HGV. I personally don’t think that the TFL campaigns regarding this have been strong or direct enough, especially towards the most vulnerable group of London cyclists, inexperienced women.
The statistics corroborate these hard truths. The official 2009 report into London cyclist deaths showed how 3/4 of London cyclists are men, but 3/4 of deaths are of women.
I took part in the most recent TFL HGV campaign. The photo shoot subjects were composed of a gender and ethnic mix to represent London, fair enough you might say, but what’s the use in photographing me, a fit, 32 year old, male, experienced cyclist to articulate a risk that applies most to an entirely different demographic?
I accept that there are many contributing factors, that road layout and HGV behaviour are serious factors in this, but changing cyclist behaviour must surely be of importance, since behaviour seems to have such an impact on the statistics.
There are messages on Twitter reminding riders to wear bright colours. That’s not the issue here. My thoughts are with the family of this rider. It’s a sad day, but I think these points are very valid. I despair every time I see a female rider heeling it along the curb next to a bus or HGV at a junction. Serious action is needed, and it doesn’t come in the form of politically correct advertising or polite messages about “visibility.”