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26-year-old woman cyclist dies in Whitechapel Lorry Crash
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by Beaulieu | September 16, 2009 at 12:32 pm
1479 views | 12 Recommendations | 20 comments
A lorry driver mowed down and killed a young woman cyclist in East London today, in yet more road carnage on London's busy streets.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision this morning (Wednesday) in Whitechapel.
A lorry was in collision with a cyclist at the junction of Whitechapel Road and Vallance Road around 6.35am.
The 26-year-old woman was taken to Royal London Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Police say they know the woman's identity and are in the process of informing all relevant next of kin.
The driver of the lorry was uninjured.
Both the vehicle and the cyclist were travelling south down Vallance Road immediately prior to the collision.
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at 13:46 on September 16th, 2009
That's very Sad another Fatality, When are the Traffic Control People going to improve the Infrastructure for Cyclists in London. That is 7 or 8 Women Cyclists Killed on London's Roads this Year and all by Lorries. Mr Boris get your act together and do something.A 51 Year Old Male Cyclist was Killed in Dublin on Wellington Quay by an Articulated Truck on Monday Morning 13/9/09 at 8.20 am in spite of the Lorry Ban in Dublin of HGV'S.They normally have to use the Port Tunnel to the M1 in Santry Bypassing the City. But some still go through the City Centre with a Permit for the big Shops. There was only a tiny Snippet about it on the Morning News on RTE Television and no follow up later on the Evening News. Cyclists getting Killed do not Rate as a Newsworthy Item anymore just 5 Seconds was given to it. Those 40 Footers are a Killer of Cyclists,they need more Training to be aware of Cyclists. What is needed is better Infrastructure for Cyclists.
at 01:10 on September 17th, 2009
Not newsworthy in mainstream media, but definitely newsworthy on Now Public. If I see it on the BBC, I will upload a copy.
at 15:21 on September 16th, 2009
How sad - the roads around there are so deadly
at 00:19 on September 17th, 2009
I know that junction well - I was almost killed myself a few years ago while crossing Vallance Road at exactly that spot and a dear friend and collegue was knocked down and killed there. The road was due to be widened and the buildings on the west side demolished but this scheme seems to have been scrapped. Vallance Road is inadequate for the traffic it carries and anyone who is unaware of it is at risk when using it.
at 01:13 on September 17th, 2009
Thanks for your input Judith.
It is right to say that after several accidents, and perhaps it being a blackspot, the powers-that-be do not warn people that it is a very dangerous spot, so this type of thing happens time and time again.
I don't tend to use the junction here and tend to walk it, but I probably would if I was in a hurry. I always carry my horn too but some of these lorries are so loud, they cannot even here you.
If I pass the junction (may do on my Skyride trip on Sunday), I will upload some pics.
at 01:26 on September 17th, 2009
Just had a look at the BBC. They haven't bothered to report the story.
The complaints department is www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
I have now reported the matter to the BBC and I will print their reply. I can probably guess the reply. It appears they prefer to put silly celebrity stuff over real news.
at 06:21 on September 17th, 2009
This pains me every time.For those interested, there is some discussion on the LFSS forum to organise a potential response with a meeting lined up for next Tuesdaywww.londonfgss.com/thread29719.htmlRIP!
at 08:39 on September 17th, 2009
This incident is terrible and to top it off she was a family member to me (Cousin), Could you imagine how we are all feeling. If this is becoming a regular thing where it is a black spot for accidents why isn't something being done about it. How would people feel seeing this splashed over the internet when it was one of your family members. She was Caring, done anything for anyone, was a lovely, hard working lady and didn't deserve this, She has not long graduated and now has all gone to waste, we are all distraught and can't believe this has happened. Obvisually she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. RIP Love you before, Love you now, Love you always xxxx
at 10:26 on September 17th, 2009
in addition to the comment above by my cousin rebecca barkby........ this young lady who died was also my cousin,she was beautiful,talented,caring,loving,and always had a smile for everyone.she will leave a big hole in all our lives,we are all devastated that this has happened... BLACK SPOT FOR ACCIDENTS........SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW rest in peace princess,dance with the angels,love you always,never be forgotten,sweet dreams babe xxxxx
at 15:35 on September 17th, 2009
A cyclist under the Moniker 'Nuknow' said that they crashed at the same junction previously. It is a cyclist blackspot.
The link is www.london. fgss.com
at 15:48 on September 17th, 2009
Found a witness on Twitter:
Source: twitter.com
at 01:14 on September 19th, 2009
To the forum. I'm the boyfriend of the girl who died so tragically on Wednesday morning. I've been searching for any reason as to why someone so caring, loving and unselfish was taken from me and all who loved her so traumatically. She was a cycling enthusiast and literally cycled everywhere and loved her red bike more than any other possession. If anything good can come of this it's for something to be done about this accident hotspot. If someone could let me know where any proposed meeting is due to take place, if petitions need to be signed or if there's any more support that can be added to such a campaign, then I know that the many people who were touched by this young girl's life would love to support it too. You're already missed so much sweetheart, but you'll never be forgotten, ever. Love now and forever xxx
at 10:37 on September 19th, 2009
I am so sorry to read this, truly, this must be so difficult for you, I can't even imagine. If we hear anything we will let you know. So sorry to hear about your loss again.
at 13:32 on September 21st, 2009
I am sorry this has happened to you. Condolances to you and your family.
People here have left wonderful tributes to her on here.
I have found a site that may help support you - roadpeace.org. They support people's family who have been bereaved due to road accidents. For young partners, the WAY foundation has been very helpful for people who have lost their partners young in life as a lot of people 'don't understand'. Another idea is to have a Ghost bike, (ghostbike.org) a white bike, at the junction. It will serve to remind people that it is a blackspot.
When I lost my partner (though through cancer), though different in many ways, I raised money for his charity and ran a marathon. I had to deal with the 'anger' and turn something negative into something positive. I also keep a 'memory box' which I keep and look at every so often.
at 13:35 on September 21st, 2009
The London Cycling Campaign (www.lcc.org.uk) also have campaigns about Cyclists and HGVs. They are very good. When I joined Skyride at the weekend, I was really pleased that there were some cyclists wearing Anti-Lorry t-shirts, they even had a word with the Transport for London officer.
at 17:18 on September 20th, 2009
Chrystelle was a friend of mine for 10 years also. We ar all reeling from the shock! We can't believe she's gone. And will all cherish our memories of her always.!
at 02:33 on September 21st, 2009
Chrystelle was an amazing person, she brought love, laughter and happiness to so many of our lifes. Kieran is right, she loved cycling so much and really did cycle everywhere, for this to have happened to her highlights that the junction really is dangerous. Please sign our petiton to get the junction changed. www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/save-cyclists-lives.html I love and you miss you girly xx
at 06:18 on September 21st, 2009
Having been one of her closest friends I can't reitterate enough all the above comments about the state of the roads and how this simply can't keep going on. Someone must be held responsible for allowing it to happen over and over again, how has it not been a priotity to focus on reducing the risk to cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Chrystelle treated her body like a temple, she was a true example of health, fitness and always strived to influence others to love and look after themselves through healthy living. I am going to miss her unbelievably and hold lots of love always for my beautiful girly girl.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
at 13:09 on September 21st, 2009
There is a womens cycle ride on 11th October in London see www.lcc.org.uk about Women Cyclists and HGVs.
at 01:31 on October 4th, 2009
I arrived at the scene of the accident very shortly (seconds I think) after it happened, however I did not see it happen. Having been a keen cyclist for some time I now ride a scooter for my commute (mainly as my commute is now too far to cycle) and although the junction is on my daily commute, I was there some three hours before I normally would be on that day.In the immediate days after the accident I scanned the news and could find nothing, I also hoped that I would not see any signs calling for information as that would be a sign that the collision had not been fatal.This week I became aware of the signs and this morning I have found this site - Chrystelle (As I now know it was she) has been on my mind all week, although I had never known her personally. My thoughts are very much with all of you who loved and cherished her as part of your lives, I am so sorry for your loss.The junction is indeed incredibly dangerous - the temporary fencing that is there seems to serve no purpose other than to contain old street furniture and bits of a structure no longer used - this must surely be cleared away, as currently it creates a "wall".Having paused at the spot on Thursday evening, I had to be very careful as I negotiated the junction coming back out of Vallance Road on to Whitechapel Road - I also noticed that the lighting is also very poor for such a busy junction!I do believe that Ghost bikes serve a very good purpose, whilst retaining the memory of loved ones in relation to an activity that was very close to their hearts, the ghost bikes do serve, as another person said earlier, to remind people of the danger to cyclists in that area.I wish you all strength and support at this time and my thoughts are very much with you.