Boris Johnson Goes Green, Nearly Killed while Cycling

London’s mayor Boris Johnson is well known for his plans of getting more people to use cycling as an alternative form of transportation. So the mayor himself tries to be an example for the rest of citizens. And that's exactly how he almost got killed by a lorry on Friday morning.

While on the streets of London cycling, Johnson, along with transport minister Lord Adonis and director of transport Kulveer Ranger were overtook by a lorry round a corner, just as they were checking up on potential routes for the ‘cycling revolution’. That was an example of how cycling may be environmentally friendly, but also very risky.

The whole incident, recorded by a CCTV camera, occurred so fast that we can only say the three London officials were extremely lucky. As the fast going lorry came around the corner, its doors suddenly opened, dragged a parked car into the street and smashed into another. All that just a few feet away from Johnson, Adonis and Ranger.

After 30 seconds, the mayor is seen, holding his helmet, scratching his head and looking surprised. According to The Guardian, an aide to the mayor said: "It was pretty awful. They were shaken up and Boris was shocked. But it makes the case even more for his super highways."

This is not the first time that Johnson is ‘waving to the camera’ while cycling. Two weeks ago he was filmed cycling ... and breaking the law. He passed over six red lights, failed to stop at a zebra and mounted the pavement. Not only that, but he also wasn't wearing a protective helmet.

So London may be his capital, but he doesn’t own the streets, and he certainly is not above the traffic regulations. After his latest near-death experience, we don't expect to see the mayor cycling again too soon.