EC1 cyclists will be more than familiar with the London Cycling Campaign’s list of local spots of most danger to those on bikes
By Julia Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter
Cycling campaigners want to see more safety measures at busy roads around Old Street which have claimed the life of one cyclist in the last decade, amongst other local danger spots.
The Shoreditch Triangle – the area east of Old Street station, which includes the busy A10, Old Street and Great Eastern Street – was named as one of the most dangerous junctions by the London Cycling Campaign (LCC).
One cyclist died there and 27 more were seriously injured between 2011 and 2020.
This February a woman died after a collision involving a bus in Great Eastern Street during the morning rush hour.
It spans the borders of Hackney and Islington and is a key route into the City of London and towards the West End.
LCC also highlighted Holborn Gyratory which has claimed the lives of eight cyclists and Kings Cross, where three died and 15 were badly hurt as dangerous junctions where it wanted to see more safety improvements.
It follows a report in July where LCC set out its vision of safety improvements.
The LCC said: “If this whole area (Shoreditch Triangle) had lower traffic speeds, shorter crossing points for pedestrians, and clear protected cycling routes, it would be much safer. When major intersections like the Shoreditch Triangle are made safe the payback is huge – fixing this one junction unlocks miles of new cycle routes.”
It welcomed the major redesign of the 1960s Old Street roundabout which sees one junction permanently closed to traffic and segregated bike lanes and cycle-only traffic signals. Some of the subways will also be closed and replaced with street level pedestrian crossings.
Initially work was due to be completed in 2020 but was delayed.
The 12,000 strong cycling campaign group said: “The work at Old Street only highlights how hostile the system of junctions to the east of Old Street roundabout remains.”
It is pushing for Transport for London’s vision zero for the area it shares with Hackney and Islington to be speeded up.
LCC also wants to encourage nearby businesses to get involved.
