Cyclist vigil aims to 'challenge the normalisation of the death and injury we see on our roads'
A vigil will be held later to mark the death of a female cyclist in Exeter as campaigners try to highlight road safety messages.
It will take place between 5.30pm and 6.30pm under the trees at Southernhay, with organisers saying they intend to 'show our sadness at this unnecessary loss' and 'challenge the normalisation of death and injury on our roads'.
Mike Walton from The Exeter Cycling Campaign said: "On August 7th a woman did not make it home from work.
"From the police statement we learn that at around 8:30pm there was a collision on the Western Way, Exeter involving a man driving a black BMW and a 53 year old
Exeter resident.
"This needless death has shaken many people in Exeter, particularly those that often cycle and know first hand what it is like to be intimidated and to be put in danger by vehicles driven by inattentive or careless drivers."
Following the incident a police spokesperson said: "A 21-year-old man from Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink/drugs.
"He was later further arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation while enquires continue."
Mr Walton said the group would carry out a short ‘die in’ nearby to underline how vulnerable our roads can be for people walking and cycling, followed by two brief speeches.
"This will be a dignified event. The aim is to show our sadness at this unnecessary loss, to challenge the normalisation of the death and injury we see on our roads and to repeat our simple calls that driver lawlessness and inattention must stop, that all journeys for people cycling should be safe and that active travel must be adequately funded.
"The Exeter Cycling Campaign backs the aims of Vision Zero South West to rapidly cut road deaths and serious injuries to zero. There are known ways of achieving this and the Campaign has contributed to the Vision Zero team’s work on this."
Lorna, an Exeter resident, added: "It’s important to challenge the sense of acceptance society seems to have about “just” another casualty on Exeter’s roads. Death and injury on our roads is not inevitable and we need to work harder to reduce it.
“There have been some great improvements to walking and cycling in Exeter over the last year, but we could and should be doing more to make it safe in our city. We should start with targeting careless and reckless driving, which kills thousands of people every year in the UK. I want my family to be safe."
For more about the Exeter Cycling Campaign click here