MP collides with cyclist outside House of Commons

Simon Burns MP (BikeRadar)

As if to underline the dangers of cycling in Britain’s capital, a cyclist was taken to hospital last night after being knocked to the ground in Parliament Square following a collision with a Member of Parliament driving a 4x4.

Chelmsford West Conservative MP Simon Burns was leaving the House of Commons in his Land Rover Freelander when he collided with the male rider who was subsequently airlifted to hospital. Mr Burns was breathalysed by police at the scene of the incident and the test proved negative.

An eyewitness said: “The car came out pretty fast and he obviously didn't see the cyclist who was just going along with the traffic. The cyclist tried to brake but his front wheel locked. He went over his handlebars and hit the wing of the car before falling on the ground in front of the car.”

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in east London.

A statement from the police said: “A collision occurred as a 4x4 left the main gates to the House of Commons. The vehicle stopped at the scene, the male driver was uninjured. The cyclist's injuries are not thought to be life threatening or life changing.”

The incident is now the subject of a police investigation.

• Back to top
• Email to a friend