Published: February 09, 2012
by TOM FOOT

ONE of Boris Johnson’s biographers claims he has failed to live up to his image as “cycling mayor” by improving road safety.

Sonia Purnell, a former newspaper colleague of Mr Johnson who wrote an unofficial account of his life, was speaking at a Bikes Alive “go-slow” protest around King’s Cross on Monday night.

She told the New Journal she would use statistics to support her claims in a book to be published shortly before the Mayoral elections in May.

“Boris promised a cycling revolution but he has failed to bring one about,” said Ms Purnell.

“Boris spent £100million on ‘Boris bikes’ but he has not made the streets safer for cyclists. There needs to be more segregation on the roads. It is not a big ask, it is not just places like Amsterdam – they are doing this in New York too.”

When asked about Mr Johnson’s claim of there being fewer accidents per cyclist since he took over as Mayor in 2008, Ms Purnell said: “That just isn’t true. The statistics show he has failed to make cyclists safer.”

Around 30 riders and pedestrians – compared to around 80 a fortnight before – braved icy conditions in King’s Cross on Monday.

Green Assembly Member Jenny Jones and Camden’s Cycling Campaign joined the action. It was organised by Peace News activist Albert Beale following the death of 24-year-old cyclist Deep Lee in King’s Cross in October.

Mr Beale said: “TfL consistently relegates the safety and health of cyclists, and of other non-motorised road users, below the inhuman demands for ever-increasing traffic volumes.”

Transport for London (TfL) announced on Monday a list of junctions it will review – including the Swiss Cottage one-way system – following intense public pressure.

Plans to overhaul Euston Circus and the Camden Road junction with Pancras Road where Paula Jurek died, have recently been published.

But campaigners believe the proposed changes do not go far enough.

A committee of Camden councillors has made a series of cycling safety recom­men­dations, agreeing to press TfL to install a green bike lane where Ms Lee died.

Cllr Jonathan Simpson, chairman of the culture and environment committee, said: “The cross-party committee would like TfL to be more open and deal with residents’ concerns.

“By working together I hope that we can all improve safety in Camden for all road users and pedestrians.”