A WANSTEAD man who was almost killed when a lorry ploughed into him on a cycle path says tougher action needs to be taken against motorists who endanger cyclists' lives

Terence Bly, 50, of Grosvenor Road in Wanstead sustained multiple fractures to his shoulder, three cracked ribs, a punctured lung, cuts to his face and thigh injuries after he was hit while cycling on Leytonstone High Road in June.

He had expected the lorry driver to be prosecuted, but in September police told him they would not be taking any further action.

“The lorry that hit me was coming from the opposite direction and turned right at a junction into the cycle lane,” he said.

“It happened in a split second and I just had time to turn my face slightly before the impact.”

An off duty policeman came to Mr Bly’s assistance as he lay in the road, but he says the driver who hit him showed scant regard for his life.

“I was unable to move, but the lorry driver was marching around as bold as brass, telling everyone ‘I don’t know what else I could have done.’

“There I was covered in blood and he had no concern for me at all.”

Mr Bly, who works as a copywriter, was off work for five weeks with his injuries.

And he says he is flabbergasted that police have decided not to take any further action against the lorry driver.

Last month 35-year-old cyclist Brian Florey was killed after being hit by a lorry on the A13 in Barking.

And in August, Daniel Harris from Wanstead was killed after he was hit by a coach in an Olympic Games Lane at the junction of Ruckholt Road and the A12 near Leyton.

“Too many cyclists are dying and being maimed and I’m angry that so many drivers seem to be getting away without being prosecuted or punished in any way,” said Mr Bly.

“Ninety per cent of drivers are outstanding and yes I know there are some bad cyclists who think they are indestructible.

“But you have to ask yourself why so many motorists weave in and out of cycle lanes. It’s because they do not fear any comeback.

"I don’t think there are enough cycle lanes and those that we do have are not policed properly.

 

"Cycle lanes should be treated like bus lanes and any car driving in them should be subject to penalties.

"I would like to see police actively stopping motorists and issuing spot fines to any motorist entering a cycle lane."

“I cross myself whenever I go past the spot where I was hit now. I am very lucky to be alive.”