A cyclist killed at a central London junction would still be alive if the lorry that hit her hadn't broken the law, her boyfriend told an inquest.
Maria Fernandez, 24, died from head injuries sustained following the crash at Holborn Circus. A bin lorry had crept into the green 'bike box' zone at the lights then turned left, dragging the student under its wheels.
Riccardo Rispoli, who was cycling with her at the time of the crash in June, said the law should be toughened-up to protect cyclists at busy junctions.
An inquest at St Pancras coroner's court recorded a verdict of accidental death on the Argentinian-born cyclist, who lived in Stepney Green.
The lorry driver, Joseph Grant, was questioned by police but released without charge.
According to the Evening Standard, Mr Grant told the court that he saw only Mr Rispoli as he turned into Charterhouse Street, and had no idea that Miss Fernandez was being dragged under his front wheels until he was alerted by other drivers 130 metres further on.
Deputy coroner Gail Elliman said: “The lorry wasn't stopped in the right place. If Miss Fernandez was five metres ahead in the cycling box Mr Grant would have seen her. But the [lorry's] indicator could have been seen by Miss Fernandez. Caution might have been exercised if she believed it was going to turn left.”
Speaking after the verdict, Mr Rispoli, a yacht designer, said: “I think the law needs to get tougher so this doesn't happen again. I think Maria's death could have been prevented.
“The driver was in the cycle box so we couldn't get in front. Also with better mirrors and if lorries were not so loud these kind of deaths could be stopped.
“I do not blame the driver but there are many kinds of people on the road and everything needs to be made stupid-proof so even a kid can understand how to use it.”
Funnily enough, our B&Q is right by the tip. I didn't know they were doing small electricals and bulbs, that's helpful... I've just blown up...
They could do better, but couldn't be arsed.
He'll be out in nine years, or less with good behaviour. That won't bring back the two kids he killed. My condolences to their families.
Or check out the NHS in Scotland, run by the SNP
Doesn't look like it'd keep mud/water out very well, I'll stick to my saddle bag with a plastic bag inside to keep my stuff together and dry.
A smartphone set to handsfree is always fully legal, especially when held in the hand.
No. Monty Python? Not interested.
The blessings from drivers take so very many forms - over to no-so-sleepy Haverhill... ...
The motorist was clearly distracted by an invisible cyclist behaving dangerously on the pavement without hi-viz and helmet therefore had to take...
Cheers Jack, thanks for addressing it so quickly.