Johnson Slammed For Blaming Cyclists for Accidents
May 29th, 2012
Boris Johnson has been criticised by road safety campaigners after claiming that two-thirds of cyclist killed or injured on London roads were the fault of riders breaking the law.
In his first Question Time as the re-elected Mayor of London, Johnson claimed that 62 per cent of accident involving bikes were the fault of the riders, explaining that too many are ignoring important traffic laws.
Boris Johnson has been criticised by road safety campaigners after claiming that two-thirds of cyclist killed or injured on London roads were the fault of riders breaking the law.
In his first Question Time as the re-elected Mayor of London, Johnson claimed that 62 per cent of accident involving bikes were the fault of the riders, explaining that too many are ignoring important traffic laws.
“The increase in cycling has not necessarily been accompanied by an increase in observance of the rules of the road,” said Johnson.
“It is very important, I think people should be aware of the high proportion. I have seen a figure of I think 62 per cent… of cyclist KSIs (killed and seriously injured) are associated with some infraction by the cyclist themselves of the rules of the road. That is very sad.”
However road safety campaigners have slammed him for his accusations, claiming he’s a hypocrite after he was caught riding through two red lights without a helmet four years ago.
Other critics have also questioned the mayors sources after a 2009 report by the Independent Transport Research Laboratory showed that motorists were entirely to blame for around 65 – 70 per cent of cycling accidents involving over 25-year-olds.
“He has done a lot of harm to cyclists because he has upped the ante between cyclists and drivers when we need to be upping the level of mutual respect,” said a London woman, who’s sister was killed in a cycling accident in 2009.
“It is tarring people with the same brush. There are cyclists who jump red lights so people say they all do. But there are also bad drivers and that doesn’t lead us to say everyone is bad.”
If you have had a cycling accident in the last three years and don’t feel that it was your fault, why not call us for a free no-obligation assessment of your case on 01625 506 655.
We look forward to hearing from you.