Cycling campaigners took to the streets on Saturday (28 October) to voice their concerns about safety on Ealing’s roads.

The community’s concern was highlighted after Claudia Manera tragically lost her life while travelling on a bike in West Ealing.

The accident involved a lorry in Uxbridge Road, near the junction with Northfields Avenue, and is currently under investigation by police with the council’s full support.

Saturday’s protest had the attendance of council leader Julian Bell and Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure. The councillors let the campaigners know that, as cyclists themselves, they are in complete support of improving safety in the borough.

As part of Transport for London’s Liveable Neighbourhoods, Ealing Council has submitted a bid to make significant improvements to the area, including road safety and cycling measures.

The boroughs’ cycling commission, formed by Ealing Council, is the first of its type in the country and one of its key recommendations is to improve safety in Uxbridge Road.

Councillor Bell said: “Every death on our roads is a tragic loss to our community, so increasing the safety of the borough’s roads is a top priority for us.

“Last week, on the day of the launch of our traffic-free path along Ruislip Road East, I rode with London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, to the junction and raised our concerns with him and discussed our bid for Liveable Neighbourhoods funding from TfL.”

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic death of Claudia last week and I send my sincere condolences to her family and friends. It’s very upsetting to know a person enjoying riding their bike has passed away.

“I want Ealing’s roads to be the safest in London and we are doing all we can to achieve this. As a cyclist, I am very aware of how the road design and layout has a big impact on how safe people feel.”

Ealing residents, and those who cycle regularly in and through the borough, are invited to be part of the next regular cycling strategy and safety meeting. The meeting chaired by Councllor Mahfouz will be held on Tuesday, 7 November between 6-8pm at Ealing Town Hall.

There are limited spaces available at this workshop to allow for open discussions and engagement. To request your place, email cycling@ealing.gov.uk and you will receive an email once your place is confirmed.