Coroner's plea after new cyclist death

A coroner today demanded better safety for cyclists after the death of a writer who was hit by a lorry turning left at a junction.

Emma Foa, 56, was knocked off her bike by a 20-tonne heavy goods vehicle in Camley Street, King's Cross, in December of last year.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, St Pancras coroner Dr Andrew Reid said he had presided over too many inquests caused by collisions between lorries and cyclists.

He pledged to call on Transport for London to raise awareness of cycling safety. He said he had written to the Government after a cyclist's death at the same junction five years earlier.

"I wrote to the Secretary of State [for transport] asking her to publicise what is required of drivers and cyclists at these junctions," said Dr Reid. "With the policy being to promote cycling, action should be taken. I will write to Transport for London with a report inviting them to produce suitable literature to raise awareness of this issue."

The lorry driver, Michael Thorn, has been fined £300 after admitting a charge of driving without due care and attention at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

At Ms Foa's inquest, Thorn said he was "more cautious than most on the road".

Thorn, 52, who had driven on the same route for six years on a contract for King's Cross concrete makers Hanson, said he thought he had been sorting out some paperwork in his cab while waiting at the junction.

He checked his mirrors but had not seen Ms Foa, who was cycling to work from Hampstead, as he turned left. He said he had been distracted by a horn and did not check a second time.

Footage of the collision was shown at the inquest to Ms Foa's two grown-up daughters and husband Reg Wright, 53. Mr Wright said the hearing, where he gave evidence, was a "very thoughtful and thorough affair".

He said the family was now considering whether to pursue a civil action. "The driver clearly did not look in his mirrors - he did not see her," he said. Mr Wright added that it should be compulsory for heavy goods vehicles to be fitted with three mirrors on the near side: A proximity, reverse angle and wide-angle mirror. "There's got to be compulsory training," he said. "I would like to see automatic sensors fitted to these vehicles so they know someone is there is. A blind spot is no excuse."

Mr Wright and his family have backed the Evening Standard campaign for safer cycling in London, launched after similar deaths. A Transport for London spokesman said: "Every single person killed or injured on London's roads is one person too many, and Transport for London offers its condolences to the family and friends of Emma Foa.

"London has an excellent record on cycling, thanks to major increases in investment in cycling by the Mayor.

"Spending has risen from £ 5.5million per year in 2000 to £36million per year in 2007/08, including record amounts on improving facilities and safety for cyclists. This investment has led to a 31 per cent reduction in the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured in the capital.

"A new awareness campaign will be launched in the New Year."

Road Safety week begins today.

WHAT THE HIGHWAY CODE SAYS

* Cyclists told: Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of room to manoeuvre at corners. Be aware that drivers may not see you. They may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre because the rear wheels come very close to the kerb while turning. Do not be tempted to ride in the space between them and the kerb.

* Drivers told: Use your mirrors and give a left-turn signal well before you turn. Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn, especially if driving a large vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists may be hidden from your view. When turning, give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane or tramway from either direction.