Cyclist killed in coach collision in Bishopsgate

A cyclist has died in a collision with a coach in the City of London.

The emergency services were called after the accident, at the junction of Wormwood Street and Bishopsgate.

The cyclist, who was aged in his 60s, was treated by a paramedic crew at the scene, where he was later pronounced dead.

A spokesman for the City of London Police said a 61-year-old man from Essex had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The death comes as cyclists across the UK have stepped up calls for safety improvements following an increase in deaths and injuries.

Cycle deaths rise

The number of cyclists who have died or been seriously injured in road accidents increased by 8% in the third quarter of last year, following rises of10% and 8% in the previous quarters.

A total of 16 cyclists died on London's roads last year, six more than in 2010.

The death in the City was the first cyclist fatality in London this year, but the 10th across the UK.

Roger Geffen, campaigns director at cycling charity CTC, said: "The death of another cyclist on our roads shows the urgent need for the government to draw up an action plan to tackle the threats cyclists face, so that more people can enjoy its health and other benefits without fear or injury."

Road safety minister Mike Penning said: "We take the safety of cyclists extremely seriously.

"The year-on-year rise in the number of cycle casualties may be due to the increase in cycling we have seen in recent years but we will continue to monitor these figures closely as we work to tackle this important issue."