Moving Target,
Volume 3 Issue 2
MT COMMENT:
Edward Newstead's death was something that touched all ccs because it reminded us all of the risk that we all face each day that we come to work. Perhaps the fact that 'only' one cc has been killed each year since MT has been on the streets (4 dead in 4 years) is some consolation. It could easily be 1 a week if we were less careful.
Anther question raised by the death is: Is it really worth it? Or put it another way how little is a life worth? When business after business demands cuts in rates from their despatch company what they ere really doing is saying that they do not value our lives very highly. What they are saying is that our lives are over-valued. The next time that a customer complains to you that he/she has been waiting for an hour for you to arrive point out that at least you arrived in one piece.
All 4 ccs that have been killed on the job have died under the wheels of HGVs. This is something to bear in mind. Not only should you think about this when you are riding around, but consider this: the main reason for increasing the scope of London's Red Route Network is to free up Central London's congested streets so that HGVs and other trade vehicles can pass through quicker. Amongst the streets ear-marked for red status are Piccadilly, The Strand, Holborn, Clerkenwell Rd and Marylebone Rd. The effect this is likely to have is to encourage more HGVs into the central area and at higher speeds. Scary? More now than ever, safe cyclin'.
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