Cyclist killed after collision with ‘Olympic bus’
Cyclists near the A12 and Ruckholt Road. Photograph: Hackney Citizen
A cyclist was killed this evening after being hit by a vehicle believed to be an official Olympic coach.
The incident took place at 7.42pm at the junction of Ruckholt Road and the A12, near the beginning of the ‘diversion’ route which cyclists are advised to use while the Lea Towpath is closed during the Games.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said the man, thought to be approximately 30 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Investigation Unit.
Since the canal route has been closed to cyclists due to the Olympic games, I now have to divert along Ruckholt Rd through many fast junctions, and sadly where this young man was killed this evening, at East Cross Rd to Victoria Park.
It is not safe for any cyclists to have to ride there, even though it is on the designated diversion route. No thought has gone into this despite Locog claiming to be a ‘ cycle-friendly Olympics. Instead we have a diverted route where one cyclist was killed and many risk their lives everyday.
I share the concerns left in the comment by James.
I think a full investigation should be made of the diversion route and the question asked could a better safer route be made at this point?
If he was using this route because the safer one has been closed I think there’s a pretty strong case for corporate manslaughter against TFL or whoever was responsible for the changes.
Thoughts go out to the victims family. Very sad.