Boris Johnson is being directly challenged today over the dangers of east London’s Cycle Superhighway which has claimed six lives since it was opened—four of them this year.

East London Advertiser: Floral tributes in memory of cyclists killed at Bow RoundaboutFloral tributes in memory of cyclists killed at Bow Roundabout (Image: Archant)

London Assembly Member John Biggs, whose constituency includes the controversial A11 cycleway between Aldgate and Stratford, is demanding the introduction of an early phase for cyclists at all traffic lights along the route.

“It is unacceptable that people continue to die on this stretch of road,” he said.

“We urgently need the Mayor to act and make the Cycle route safer for all road users. He must put in place interim safety measures and segregate cyclists from other road users along the entire route and put in early phase traffic lights.

“People will continue to die unless action is taken—this is a scandal and must stop.”

Biggs is challenging Boris at the start of Mayor’s Question Time at City Hall from 10am.

He first raised fears over Bow Roundabout three years ago and has been campaigning ever since for safety improvements.

“The blue paint on the road creates a false sense of safety and security for cyclists,” he added. “The Mayor must stop calling it a ‘Cycle Superhighway’.

“He must act urgently to make safety of cyclists and pedestrians at Bow Roundabout a priority.”

But the Mayor is likely to slam back at this-morning’s Question Time with claims that he has committed almost £1 billion to improve cycling.

Boris said last night: “Changes cannot be made instantly, but are being done as quickly as possible.

“Major improvements are being made to junctions and superhighways. This remains an absolute priority for me.”

He is also unveiling plans to prosecute lorry owners if they don’t have safety equipment fitted to their goods vehicles.