How do we stop more cyclists from dying on our roads?

6 cyclists have been killed in London in just under two weeks. The capital is shocked, and desperate for ways to ensure this grimness doesn’t continue.

There are more cyclists on the road than ever before. It’s a great way to exercise, it’d environmentally friendly, and can be an inexpensive way of getting around town. With TfL prices rising higher than a loaf in David Cameron’s breadmaker, many Londoners can’t afford to commute by public transport.

I don’t dare cycle in London – I’m too scared. I stick to my overpriced oyster card and the occasional trip by car. From the safety of a vehicle, protected by steel and glass and safety belt, it is easy to become desensitized to what it’s like for cyclists on the road.  It’s just as easy for cyclists to demonise all drivers as “four wheels good, two wheels bad” road ragers. We must avoid an ‘us vs them’ attitude to road sharing.

Andrew Gilligan, the Cycling Commissioner for London, claims that those making a fuss over these deaths are causing “greater collateral damage to cycling” through their outrage. There are only so many times we can read that there were “only” 20 cycling deaths in London last year without screaming WHY?! Why should we accept that? Under what circumstance is any death reduced to an “oh, well…it was just an accident” when clearly the Mayor’s cycling guru should be outraged, and not chastise cyclicts for their anger and sadness. The clear message from City Hall is victim blaming.

Many recommendations have been made in the past few weeks on how best to prevent more deaths.  The London Cycling Campaign wants lower speed limits; this is a brilliant idea.  A few London councils – including Camden where I live – have introduced 20mph zones.  This should be brought in across London, and would increase safety for pedestrians and motorists as well as cyclists.

Former Olympic cycling champion Chris Boardman has called for restriction of heavy goods vehicles during rush hour. This idea should certainly be explored, but could have a negative impact on the building trade.  At a time when London desperately needs new housing, it may not be the most practical solution.  But there’s no reason why technology can’t be used to improve road visibility for HGVs; the current 6-mirror approach clearly isn’t working. The See Me Save Me campaign is dedicated to eliminating lorry blindspots; this film shockingly shows just how much an HGV driver doesn’t see.

And what about education? Despite the Government allowing the Olympic legacy to crumble, the much-loved Herne Hill Velodrome is thriving thanks to their Save The Velodrome Campaign.  They secured the lease on the site- the only remaining venue still in use from the 1948 Olympic Games- alongside £400,000 support from British Cycling. This has enabled an ambitious three-phase regeneration development. Why doesn’t Boris partner with cycling groups across the capital and fund a programme for a London Cycle Academy based at the Velodrome?

Last year 671 serious injuries – an increase from 420 in 2009.  Motorists and cyclists make mistakes – that’s a fact.  But why should these mistakes result in death? We need to minimize the risks. This means all cyclists should wear helmets and hi-visibility clothing, and headphones while cycling should be banned.  Cyclists, no doubt, will be outraged by this suggestion.  All road users must take responsibility for their safety. So let’s stand with our two wheeled brothers and sisters to prevent further needless deaths on the streets of London.