Woman killed riding "Boris Bike"

First 'Boris Bike' Death As Woman KilledPolice are appealing for witnesses after the fatal collision involving a female cyclist and a lorry in east London.5:44pm UK, Saturday 06 July 2013 The Boris Bikes were launched in 2010
EmailA woman cyclist has been killed following a collision with a lorry - the first death involving one of London's "Boris Bikes".

The 20-year-old died in the accident on Whitechapel High Street in east London on Friday just before 6.20pm.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said traffic officers were appealing for witnesses to the collision.

The driver of the heavy goods vehicle, who stopped at the scene, was not arrested.

London Ambulance Service took the woman to Royal London Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Her next of kin have yet to be informed.

Officers from the road death investigation unit are investigating the circumstances of the collision.

Leon Daniels, from Transport for London (TfL), said: "Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of the female cyclist who tragically died ... following a collision with a heavy goods vehicle on Whitechapel High Street.

"We understand she was riding a Barclays Cycle Hire bike.

"TfL has a range of measures already under way to further reduce the number of collisions involving cyclists across London and we will be assisting the Metropolitan Police with their investigation into this tragic incident."

The hire bicycles were dubbed "Boris Bikes" after being launched by London Mayor Boris Johnson in 2010.

The accident is believed to have occurred on Cycle Superhighway 2 outside Aldgate East underground station.

The Barclays cycle routes run from outer London to the centre and are designed to provide "safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city", according to TfL.

Four have been opened so far, with a further eight to be introduced by 2015.

Any witnesses to the fatal collision are asked to call police on 0208 597 4874.