[MovedGoalPosts]

Fundamentally there are too many people needing to use the roads. Our cities were never built for the levels of traffic that exists. In turn that can lead to far too many users getting a little impatient and trying to gain that extra inch forward, and that creates conflict.

If you drive a vehicle, you have a protective shell around you. At the lower speeds in heavy traffic, that means a dent in the bodywork. But the cyclist, and motorcyclist does not have that protection and that means potential for serious injury.

We don't know the facts of this particular incident so shouldn't rush to apportion blame. But any death is one too many.

The cycling lobby seems to be particularly vociferous at the moment in their clamour for change. There has to be recognition at all levels of a need to reduce conflict.

Banning lorries isn't the answer. Buses are just as dangerous. Perhaps the old cycling proficiency training that I had in the 1970s when at primary school (yes I am that ancient) needs to be reintroduced, in a modern way, possibly with simulators so cyclist can appreciate what it is to be a driver of a larger vehicle. Then, maybe, cyclists would think twice before undertaking.

Signs on vehicles don't work. We know cyclists don't follow rules. Traffic lights, pavements, etc are all fair game for that extra inch on the road. Indeed, that is why they cycle, it's because it can be quicker and weaving in and out is satisfying. This behaviour is too ingrained. But of course it is the driver of the vehicle that has to live with the guilt.

I'm not even sure that properly integrated and designed segregated cycle routes would work. There is a big fast three lane roundabout near me, with a good cycle path route linked with underpasses so they can avoid it. But I still see people wobbling on two wheels across the thing when all sorts are playing dodgems at 40mph around them. Other cycle paths are simply ignored as the cyclist loses all priority at any crossing, driveway, whatever, and worse the path often simply peters out when reaching the busier pinch point junction. Planners have a part to play in proper joined up thinking, but, this shouldn't be at the expense of other road users whose journey time increases through more complex and slower chicanes.

Fundamentally many cyclists need to ride more defensively, whilst drivers themselves maintain the highest possible awareness.