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A recent report has highlighted the risks posed to cyclists in the city by HGVs. This may seem an obvious point, but very little evidence had existed previously to prove the link.

The study, published in the Emergency Medical Journal, was carried out over 6 years and involved all patients with serious cycling injuries brought into the Royal London Hospital by ambulance or helicopter – a total of 265 over the period of the study.

Around 20% of the accidents recorded involved an HGV, and that 20% represented the casualties with more severe injuries, a longer stay in hospital, and, even more tellingly, a higher death rate.

Ghost cycle marking the spot where Deep Lee  was killed by a lorry cycling at King's Cross on 3rd October, 2011.

The figures are stark – those involved in collisions with HGVs were more likely to die, 21%, compared to 6% from car collisions. HGVs were more likely to cause severe injuries to the torso, pelvis and limbs.

For those that survived the results are equally serious, those involved in collisions with HGVs on average remained in hospital for longer, 12 days as compared to 1 day, and they were more likely to be transferred to another hospital, suggesting the need for continuing care. The report did not follow up the long term impact on patients, though further research is due to address this area.

The study’s author is Dr Joanna Manson, Trauma Research Fellow at Barts and the London Medical School, Queen Mary, University of London and surgery registrar at Barts and The London NHS Trust.

She said  “This research paints a grisly picture of the injuries sustained by cyclists who are unlucky enough to be involved in a collision. But it’s a first step in providing evidence about the devastating impact of those most serious cycling injuries.”

Dr Manson explains: “Patients are more likely to survive severe injury if they are treated in a major trauma centre, such as The Royal London Hospital, but the injuries caused by colliding with a car or an HGV can be very serious and some patients cannot be saved.

“Overall, increasing cycling in our cities is beneficial both to the individual and to the city but the risk of injury remains a major deterrent. Exactly how to improve the safety for people cycling in urban environments is unclear and we need more evidence to guide policy making in this area.”

Gavin Hannah, Director of Cycle Accident Helpline and Injuria Personal Injury Claims said ‘This report adds substance to the anecdotal evidence and headlines that we are all too familiar with. Hopefully this report, and studies like it, together with the higher profile that cyclists are enjoying generally, will add to calls for greater safety measures as standard on HGVs.

Anyone that has been unfortunate enough to have been injured in an accident, with an HGV or car, should seek legal advice with regards to pursuing a claim for compensation. Contact Cycle Accident Helpline – their solicitors are expert in cycle accidents, and the advice is free.

0800 7569708