About 1,000 cyclists attended the unveiling of a “ghost bike” in memory of the latest young Londoner to be killed cycling in the capital.
Jamal Yahya Pratley, 24, who lived in Hackney, died in hospital on April 18, six days after he was critically injured in collision with a van at the junction of Bloomsbury Street and New Oxford Street.
He is the third person to have died cycling in London in 2025 and the latest to have lost their life over the last two decades in the notorious area around Bloomsbury and Holborn.
The ghost bike was unveiled on May 30 during a Critical Mass demonstration. Mr Yahya Pratley’s father, John, told the gathering: "Jamal loved cycling. He loved cycling in London. It's such a tragedy.
“I want to warn everybody about this junction - I don't think it's safe. We've been watching it here for the last half-hour as we've been waiting for you. So please, when you're here, take care and watch out.”
Mr Yahya Pratley was cycling to work at Known Source, a Mayfair-based company specialising in “upcycling” of second-hand clothing, when the collision occurred shortly before 11am.
The Met police said in a statement to The Standard: “Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to New Oxford Street, WC1 at 10:59hrs on Saturday 12 April to reports of a road traffic collision involving a van and a bicycle.
“The cyclist, a man in his 20s, was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service. He was later transferred to hospital. Sadly, he died of his injuries days later.
“His next of kin are being supported by specialist trained officers.
“The van driver, a man residing in London, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail.
“This investigation is ongoing and police are still appealing for witnesses. Anyone will information or digital footage of the incident can contact the investigating team on 0208 543 5157, or calling 101 quoting reference 2585/12APR25.”
News of the fatality first emerged last month via Transport for London road collision data, and was reported in The Standard.
Mr Yahya Pratley’s name only became publicly known as a result of the Critical Mass demonstration, despite requests from The Standard to the Met police.
At the memorial gathering, Mr Yahya Pratley’s friends painted the “ghost bike” white and attached a portrait photograph alongside bouquets of flowers and sympathy cards.
Known Source said: "We’re still in shock. Jamal was wise beyond his years, tirelessly hard-working, razor sharp, witty, caring, always came correct and a loved member of the Known Source family.
“He had a big future, both at Known Source and beyond. He put in countless long days building our HQ. It is as much his, as it is Known Source’s. Jamal has left a legacy here. Rest in peace, you will never ever be forgotten."
The firm added on Instagram: “Many of you will know Jamal for being our main guy in-store and resident DJ. Or for being the friendly person serving you via WhatsApp.
“He was the guy who really knew his stuff. A Stone Island specialist and Kiko Kostadinov head. Jamal was wise beyond his years, tirelessly hard-working, razor sharp, witty, caring, always came correct and a loved member of the Known Source family. He had a big future, both at Known Source and beyond.
“Known Source simply would not be where it is today if it weren’t for Jamal. He put in countless long days building our HQ. It is as much his, as it is Known Source’s. Jamal has left a legacy here.
“If you have any memories of Jamal you would like to share, please send us a dm. We will compile, and pass them onto his family. We’re sure many of you will.
“Rest in peace Jamal, you will never ever be forgotten.”
A spokesperson from Hackney Cycling Campaign said: "HCC and London Cycling Campaign will continue in our efforts to achieve Vision Zero - to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our roads.
“One traffic collision death is one death too many. Our thoughts go out to Jamal's parents. We are so sorry for your loss."
Statistics published by TfL last week said nine people were killed in road collisions while cycling in the capital in 2024 - one more than in 2023.
However, TfL said the risk from cycling in London “remains the same”, as the total number of journeys made by bike had increased by five per cent, to an estimated to 1.33 million a day.
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