A cyclist who survived being dragged under a lorry for 30 yards today called for more action to keep bike users safe on London’s roads.
On the first day of Road Safety Week, Elizabeth Crockett appealed for help from witnesses who may have seen the incident, which left her badly injured.
Ms Crockett, from Greenwich, was cycling to work last October when her bike collided with a skip lorry turning onto Battersea Bridge.
She was left with a fractured collar bone and back, seven broken ribs and friction burns and bruises.
The police told her there was insufficient evidence to bring charges but her lawyers are helping her gain access to rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and counselling.
Since the accident she has been too traumatised to get back on her bike. She is hoping this week’s campaign, organised by the road safety charity Brake, will help her find justice.
Ms Crockett, 34, said: “I hope Road Safety Week reminds drivers to be on the lookout at all times for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, to prevent anyone else from suffering like I have.
“More must be done to help cyclists and motorists share the roads, particularly lorry drivers — I can’t understand why action hasn’t been taken when there seems to be incidents occurring like mine on an almost daily basis.”
She spent six days at St George’s Hospital and had to use a walking brace because her broken collar bone made it impossible to use crutches.
She returned to work after two months, but still struggles with pain as well as anxiety when her loved ones are out, especially if they are cycling.
She said: “I hope that anyone who saw what happened to me will come forward as any information could be vital in helping my battle for justice. I remember everything about the accident itself which still haunts me. I particularly remember thinking that I was going to die.
“I remember being alongside the vehicle and knowing there was enough space between myself and the truck but then suddenly realising it was veering into me.
“Soon after the accident, I was surrounded by a number of people. The pain in my back and my sides was excruciating.
“I have not been able to ride a bicycle since my accident which I miss so much — my friends have tried to encourage me, but I cannot get back on a bike.
“I visited a physiotherapist who, unfortunately, was near to where I had my accident and it was a huge struggle for me to be anywhere near there. Now I have to use public transport which is incredibly expensive and something I would not have been doing if I could still ride my bike.
“It is taking me a long time to come to terms with what happened as I know things could have been even worse and I am lucky to be alive.
Solicitor Peter Lorence, of Irwin Mitchell, said: “Due to a lack of evidence the police were unable to pursue a prosecution in this case.
“However any witnesses to the collision could help us secure a rehabilitation settlement for Elizabeth which would make a huge difference to her quality of life.”
Anyone with information about the accident on October 4 last year can contact Mr Lorence on 0207 421 3867 or peter.lorence@irwinmitchell.com.
