Concerns grew this week for the safety of cyclists using the Old Street roundabout in Shoreditch following a crash that left a Hackney woman fighting for her life.

The 39-year-old, of Homerton, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after being knocked off her bike in a collision with a white tipper truck at the roundabout during rush hour last Thursday morning (February 24).

She suffered a fractured ankle and severe facial and shoulder injuries, and was being treated at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel this week.

Fears that her life was in danger have receded and she is now expected to make a full recovery.

The Met’s traffic department is investigating. No-one has been arrested.

The collision has reignited safety concerns over the busy roundabout - one of the worst for crashes in the capital. Thousands of cars, cyclists and lorries use it every day.

Cyclist Leo Chapman, who lives nearby in Finsbury, said: “I wouldn’t go around that roundabout, it is just too dangerous.

“You could easily get squeezed by somebody and there are too many lanes.”

He suggested cyclists avoid the roundabout by using Shepherdess Walk, Bath Street and Bunhill Row.

Charlie Lloyd, cycling development officer of London Cycling Campaign, told the Gazette: “The roundabout has a bad track record. It is among the top three for crashes in London.

“It is possible to avoid it. We would recommend people do use the Leonard Street cycling route to the south.”

“But the roundabout could be improved by making it less of a race track.”

Trevor Parsons of Hackney Cyclists described the roundabout as a “huge urban planning mistake”, but added that cyclists should have a choice over which routes to use depending on their confidence and ability.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said: “Cycle safety is a huge priority for TfL and we constantly monitor our roads across London to ensure that they remain safe for all road users.

“We are currently assisting the Metropolitan Police with their investigation into the collision between a HGV and a cyclist on Old Street roundabout last week. Any recommendations that are made as part of these investigations will be fed back into TfL’s planning processes.”

Cycle route maps are available at www.tfl.gov.uk.

To join the Gazette’s Hackney Cycle Safe campaign, go to the homepage and click on the campaign logo.

Do you think cyclists should avoid using busy junctions such as the Old Street roundabout?