Cyclist casualties in the East End shoot up by 12 per cent

The number of cyclists being injured on Tower Hamlets roads has gone up by 12 per cent in the last three years.

In stark contrast, however, pedestrian casualties have dropped by nine per cent, figures since 2008 show.

Last month graphic designer Peter McGreal, 44, was killed a week after being struck on his bike during rush-hour traffic in Bethnal Green.

And in November 75-year-old pedestrian Mary Devine died from multiple injuries after being hit by a car in Stepney.

Tower Hamlets fared better than other east London boroughs, as in Barking and Dagenham road accidents involving cyclists shot up by more than half and those involving pedestrians by almost a fifth.

Labour London Assembly member for the area, John Biggs said the re-phasing of hundreds of traffic signals in the capital may be leading to increased traffic speeds which put cyclists and pedestrians at higher risk.

Steps have, however, already been taken in Tower Hamlets to improve road safety.

Large mirrors are being put up along a key cycling route in a bid to reduce the number of cyclists killed by lorries.

Known as “Trixi” mirrors, the large frames will be fitted beside traffic lights to enable lorry drivers to spot cyclists approaching on the inside of their vehicles.

This area is a notorious blind spot for drivers and accidents involving cyclist turning left make up a large proportion of collisions.

The mirrors are being put up between Bow and Aldgate.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said the mirrors were being “well-received” by truck drivers and cyclists.

Transport for London’s Road Safety Plan is due to be published in the next few months and Mr Biggs said his team will be monitoring it closely.