Press release
Mayor Rahman demands Boris takes action on cyclists’ safety concerns
Following concerns raised by Tower Hamlets residents, Mayor Lutfur Rahman has called on Boris Johnson to take immediate action to make London’s roads safer for cyclists.
Last week’s tragic death of a cyclist at the Bow Roundabout – a highway managed by TfL – follows another fatal incident last month and other collisions involving cyclists this year. Mayor Rahman has now demanded that something is done to prevent further deaths in the borough and across London.
Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said:
“Cycling has grown in popularity immensely in recent years, and it’s great to see so many people using their bikes to get around the borough, and keeping fit in the process.
“But we cannot ignore the safety issues that still exist. Much is being done to encourage people in London to cycle, but has enough been done to make the roads safe enough for cyclists to use?
“The sad death of another cyclist in our borough highlights the need for more effective safety measures, and I urge the Mayor of London to take action now to ensure both cyclists and drivers can use London’s roads safely.”
Tower Hamlets Council has implemented a number of initiatives to promote safe cycling in the borough such as free cycling training sessions for anyone that lives, works or studies in Tower Hamlets.
Specific training on cycling around HGVs – a particularly concern of many cyclists – is included in this scheme. The council also works with the police to run the Exchanging Places events, which give cyclists the opportunity to sit in an HGV cab and get a driver’s perspective on how difficult it can be to see cyclists on roads.
More information on cycling in the borough, including safe cycle maps, is available from the council’s website at: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/cycling.
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Mayor Lutfur Rahman 