Mayor promises review of HGVs and cycle highways after deaths
Boris Johnson has announced a major review of how heavy goods vehicles are operated in the capital after meeting the widow of a cyclist killed by a lorry.
Mr Johnson met the devastated family of Brian Dorling, 58, who was killed on a cycle superhighway at Bow roundabout on October 24.
On November 11 cyclist Svitlana Tereschenko, 34, died at the same junction after a collision with a tipper truck.
Following his meeting with Mr Dorling's widow Debra at City Hall yesterday, Mr Johnson said there will also be a review of all junctions on cycle superhighways across the capital.
Mrs Dorling said: "There was no politics, he just seemed very sympathetic and gave us the impression that he wanted to help.
"Things can't happen overnight, but he assured us that something is happening. Boris addressed the issue of HGVs and the fact that they aren't particularly regulated - I think he wants to do something about that.
"It felt like Boris genuinely feels for me and my family. We are absolutely shattered by what has happened. It has been awful."
City Hall said that HGVs have been involved in seven of the 16 fatal crashes with cyclists this year. The HGV review will examine the design, operation and driving of skip lorries, tipper trucks and cement mixers.
Transport for London has also launched a review of all major schemes planned on its roads and all junctions on the cycle superhighways.
Mr Johnson said: "I feel bitterly sorry for the loss of any cyclist or any road user on the streets of London and I offered my most humble condolences to the family of Brian Dorling today. Nothing I say will diminish their loss. But I am determined to do everything possible to make our roads safer.
"I do want to reassure Londoners that, at a time when record numbers are cycling, the statistics show that our streets are getting safer. However, we will do our utmost to minimise any future casualties and are focusing on several key areas where we believe improvements might be made."
