Road deaths in London have risen sharply, with pedestrian fatalities up 25% this year, prompting calls for urgent action.
London: The number of road deaths in London has jumped by 16% this year. This includes a cyclist who died two weeks after being hit by a bus.
Campaigners say the situation is a “crisis” and are urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to take action. They want safer roads for everyone.
Transport for London (TfL) reported 130 road fatalities in Greater London for 2024. This includes 66 pedestrians and 10 cyclists.
Pedestrian deaths have risen nearly 25% compared to last year. This alarming trend has raised concerns among safety advocates.
One cyclist was killed after colliding with a bus in Streatham Hill. He was hospitalized but sadly passed away two weeks later.
Another cyclist died after being hit by a bus on Westferry Road. He was 45 years old and died at the scene.
In a tragic incident, nine-year-old Ada Bicakci was struck by a bus while riding on the pavement with her family. She died two days later.
A “ghost bike” was placed at a junction where a cyclist was killed by a turning HGV. This was part of a protest to raise awareness.
About 500 cyclists participated in the protest, bringing traffic to a halt. They chanted and rang bells in memory of the fallen cyclist.
The London Cycling Campaign is organizing another protest to demand safer junctions along Stratford High Street. They want immediate changes.
Of the 130 road deaths, 110 are classified as “Stats 19” deaths. This is an official designation used by the Department for Transport.
However, some deaths may not be included in this count. For example, if a victim dies more than 30 days after the crash, they are excluded.
In 2024, there were two triple fatality crashes, but one was not counted as a “Stats 19” death due to the location of the incident.
Last year, there were 95 “Stats 19” deaths in London. This year’s figure shows a 16% increase, highlighting the growing danger on the roads.
Recent fatalities include Aidan Chapman, who was struck by a car while walking in Soho. He died in the hospital days later.
Authorities are working towards a “vision zero” target, aiming to eliminate all road deaths in London by 2041. They are committed to improving safety.
Caroline Russell, a member of the London Assembly, expressed concern over the rising death toll. She believes more action is needed to protect lives.
TfL is currently upgrading safety measures at dangerous junctions. They have completed work at 45 out of 73 identified locations.
While the number of deaths is lower than pre-pandemic years, the current figures are still unacceptable. More work is needed to ensure safety.
