His call follows the death of a seventh cyclist already on London's roads this year.

And the number of people making a cycle accident claim is expected to rise.

The Mayor has asked Transport Secretary Lord Adonis to look at whether driving tests for car drivers should be tightened to ensure motorists are fully aware of vulnerable road users like cyclists, and help cut the number of cycling accidents.

Thirteen cyclists died in London in 2009, and with an anticipated increase in bicycle use following the launch in July of the London Cycle Hire Scheme, Transport for London (TfL) has already been identifying a safety action plan for cyclists.

With 22% of cyclist deaths happening as the result of collisions with heavy good vehicles (HGVs), drivers of HGVs have already been targeted.

TfL has analysed injuries and fatalities in cycling accidents and discovered:

• 99% of accidents occur in urban areas (where 77% of all cycling takes place)
• 79% of accidents occur at or near a road junction
• 80% happen in daylight
• 80% of cycling casualties are male

The need for the additional safety guidance is clear. Of the accidents involving cyclists:

• 25% occur when the cyclist is hit by a vehicle turning left
• 22% where another vehicle turns across or into the path of a cyclist
• 17% where the cyclist is hit by a vehicle travelling alongside
• 10% of cyclists are run into from behind
• 105 where the cyclist is hit by, or swerves to avoid an opening door

Dave Escandell, who heads Access Legal from Shoosmiths' cycle safety campaign, said: ''We support any move that raises safety awareness amongst cyclists and educates other roads users of the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads.

"We'll shortly be providing our own cycling safety help sheets, one covering you and your bicycle, and the other covering you on the road."

Tell us what you think

All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It is provided to you free of charge and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.

• Phone
• Online
• Post