2013-11-13 - Rider Down, Vauxhall Bridge

Just heard on LBC. Right in the middle of a segment on Bus safety and accidents in London comes the breaking news.

Woman in her 30's being treated at the scene.

Developing.

On BBC travel news as an accident between a bus, car and motorcyclist. Could still be nasty though. Best wishes to our motorised two wheeled friend if that report is accurate.

Reporter and fella from London Transport confirmed it was a cyclist. Apparently minor injuries. Bike propped up on a lamp post "not too badly damaged". She wore helmet.

horrible piece of road. I got clattered by a #2 there nearly a year ago. avoid.

hope no one's too badly hurt.

Phew good she's not badly hurt

I saw this, this morning. There was someone laid very flat on a stretcher with neck support blocks being lifted into an ambulance, and a bike leaning against the ambulance, so it didn't look too good. A lot of police and grim faces too. Thoughts are with the rider.

Saw it too, literally on the middle of the bridge, bike look undamaged as it was leaning against the bus, both were on the bus lane that situated in the centre of the bridge.

saw it too: http://www.lbc.co.uk/another-cyclist-hit-by-bus-on-vauxhall-bridge-81240

Glad to hear injuries are minor. Don't like this bridge much. I aim for Lambeth bridge, next one east.

+1 for lambeth, although turning into bridge from here is a bit tricky but I'd rate it to be the safest (smallest) bridge to cross on bike.

the roundabout at either end kinda takes the edge off.

+1 for lambeth, although turning into bridge from here is a bit tricky but I'd rate it to be the safest (smallest) bridge to cross on bike.

No. I think that prize goes to Albert Bridge, my bridge of choice for many years - worth the diversion in my opinion.

No. I think that prize goes to Albert Bridge, my bridge of choice for many years - worth the diversion in my opinion.

Took albert bridge today on the way to work. Not impressed.

It's too narrow and has those width restrictors at both ends which means long queues of cars in the narrow road leading up to it. Which also means cyclists risking it by overtaking against opposite flowing traffic. There is parking on the left which makes it even worse because there is literally no space to cycle on the left and risk of getting doored.

I think i'd rate Chelsea bridge (Part of CS8) above all. Dedicated cycle lane (in bus lane) leading up to the bridge and a wide 3 lane road so there are hardly ever queues leading up or on the bridge. The bridge itself has a bus lane and 2 regular flowing lanes making it wide enough.

For me leading up queues = risk for cyclists as the drivers tend to get impatient and act stupidly.

There is parking on the left which makes it even worse because there is literally no space to cycle on the left and risk of getting doored.

Then don't undertake, always go on the right.

Thanks ed.

Which is what I did this morning against the opposite flow of traffic but I saw cyclists undertaking as they were not confident enough to overtake.

Took albert bridge today on the way to work. Not impressed.

It's too narrow and has those width restrictors at both ends which means long queues of cars in the narrow road leading up to it. Which also means cyclists risking it by overtaking against opposite flowing traffic. There is parking on the left which makes it even worse because there is literally no space to cycle on the left and risk of getting doored.

You can avoid the parked cars by using the shared footway between the bridge and the entrance to Battersea Park. It's signposted, but not well indicated. I use it in both directions and it sidesteps the problem of the lane restrictor. I agree we could do with a byepass at the Northern end of the bridge as well, but once you know you can use the pavement, it takes a lot of the stress off the use of the bridge. The northern exit of Chelsea bridge can trap you between two lanes of traffic and of course it's used by a lot of HGVs and buses. There are no vehicles larger than vans on Albert Bridge. Try it for a few days to get used to it and you'll see what I mean. It does require a readjustment mentally, this is not a bridge to charge across flat out - you don't need to - plus it's very short, so even if you cross it more slowly, it's still a quick crossing.