London’s cyclist serious casualties numbers rose in Olympic year

The number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in London increased by eight per cent last year, according to the latest report from Transport for London (TfL).

Pedestrian and cyclist KSI casualties increased by 15 per cent and 18 per cent respectively over the Olympic year.

The stats, as published by The Evening Standard, said there were 14 cyclists fatalities last year,

Sustrans has called for blanket 20mph zones across the capital in response.

“These alarming statistics cannot be explained away by increases in walking and cycling around London – this is not just about numbers in a report, we must act urgently to put an end to the needless injury and loss of life," said Sustrans’ London director, German Dector-Vega.

“Slower speeds save lives and it’s time to put an end to the postcode lottery that means some areas aren’t as safe as others by introducing blanket 20mph zones across London. If TfL is to meet its target to cut the number of casualties by 40 per cent by 2020, the Mayor must also immediately increase restrictions on how and where HGVs operate in the capital. It is important and challenging to move freight in this city but too often we see heavy vehicles, half empty, driving on very narrow roads.

“Let’s leave the rhetoric aside, ignore the congestion scaremongers and work together as individuals, transport authorities, businesses and communities to make these changes happen now.”

Last week, TfL targeted cyclists without working lights in a safety initiative.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Command (STC) were stationed at designated sites and were issuing fixed penalty tickets to cyclists without front and rear lights.

However, those penalty tickets were cancelled if the cyclist returned within three working days with a set of working lights fitted.

The initiative was timed to coincide with when cycle fatalities and serious collisions are at their peak, due to the clocks going back and commuters cycling home in the dark.