Samuel Harding, 25, of Crouch End, was crushed under a single-decker 153 bus on Holloway Road, Holloway, at around 1pm on Saturday, near the junction with Jackson Road.

It is believed he was in collision with an open car door immediately before being involved in the accident with the bus.

Abrahim Getin, manager at Caf� Demsal, directly in front of the scene, said: “This was a freak accident. It was a little mistake, but it cost a life.”

Floral tributes were left tied to a lamppost at the scene.

David Chirico, 42, a cyclist who lives in Hercules Street, Holloway, who visited to pay his respects, said: “It’s extremely dangerous coming down this road – cars go extremely fast. It’s very difficult for cyclists, who have to go in the bus lane, and you don’t know when buses are going to pull out.”

Mr Harding is the third cyclist who has died on Islington’s roads this year.

Dr Colin Hawkes, 64, a leading child protection expert, was killed in a collision in Carleton Road, Holloway, in January, while painter and decorator Gavin Taylor, 40, died in Wolsey Road, Newington Green, in April. Holloway Road, meanwhile, claimed the life of cyclist Lisa Pontecorvo in 2008.

Chris Ashby, of Islington Cyclists Action Group, called for a 20mph speed limit to be extended from the borough’s smaller roads onto all main roads. He added: “It’s desperately sad. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family.

“We don’t know who is to blame, but we always advise cyclists to stay well away from parked vehicles. Drivers just so often open their doors and it’s the most frequent cause of a collision.”

A 31-year-old man was arrested and has been bailed to return to police in December.

An inwuest was opened and adjourned into Mr Harding’s death this morning.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 020 8998 5319.