This is the version of my letter I approved this morning:
THE angle the Mayor
took on the radio yesterday, talking about cyclist risk-taking in relation to
the recent terrible incidents is very unfortunate. Either he has inside
information before it is released to the public or as his own spokeswoman said
it is too early to say. It is highly improbable that all the victims were being
reckless for their own safety, and highway engineers can and should allow for
human error.
Cycle superhighways are
designed by people who have not been required to undergo cycle training and do
not understand the importance of cyclists positioning themselves where they can
best survive mistakes by others. The paint encourages both cyclists and
motorists to believe that cyclists should be alongside the kerb. I avoid the
superhighways and would recommend other cyclists do the same.
Martin Porter QC
I am told that an editor has used the term 'accidents' and that by the time I was informed of this the print deadline had passed. I very much regret the understandable distress this will cause (and indeed the perplexity amongst my followers.)
