Vigil for Manchester cyclist killed in car crash

A vigil is to be held in Manchester this Friday, February 13 in memory of cyclist Artur Piotr Ruszel, who died after a collision with a car on January 13.

The 45-year old was cycling on Upper Brook Street when the crash occurred. He died from his injuries later the same day.

The vigil, at 7pm, will be an opportunity for people to pay their respects to Mr Ruszel and will call on the  authorities in Greater Manchester to implement a Vision Zero policy, adopting a target of zero for road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign said: "Police records state that 656 people were killed or seriously injured on Greater Manchester’s roads in 2013. We believe this is 656 people too many.

"Regional figures  highlight that 1,144 (42%) of the 2,697 people killed or seriously injured on the North West’s roads in 2013 were people walking or cycling; an unacceptable proportion, especially given the lack of danger these vulnerable road users present to others. Within Greater Manchester this proportion is even higher, reaching 54% in 2010 - the highest proportion in the country.

"As at 8th February, 16 cyclists have already been killed on Britain's roads in 2015 including two Greater Manchester residents. These tragic losses challenge our city’s aspiration to be a healthy and attractive modern global city where cycling feels safe and becomes a genuine transport option for everyone’s local journeys. To address this challenge we also wish to highlight the urgent need for our local authorities to provide safe Space for Cycling – so more people can cycle more safely, more often."

People are invited to assemble at the junction of Upper Brook Street and Brunswick Street on Friday February 13 from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.

For more information see the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign website.