Around 1,000 cyclists gathered to unveil a “ghost bike” in memory of Jamal Yahya Pratley, a 24-year-old Hackney resident who became the latest cyclist to die on London’s streets. The tribute was held at the junction of Bloomsbury Street and New Oxford Street, where Yahya Pratley was critically injured in a collision with a van on April 12. He later died in hospital on April 18. The ghost bike, a symbolic white-painted bicycle, was unveiled during a Critical Mass demonstration on May 30, drawing attention to the dangers cyclists face in the capital.
Jamal Yahya Pratley is the third cyclist to die in London in 2025, and the latest casualty in the long-troubled area surrounding Bloomsbury and Holborn. During the gathering, his father, John, delivered a heartfelt address, expressing both grief and concern. He described his son’s deep passion for cycling in the city and warned others about the unsafe conditions at the junction, which he and others believe pose an ongoing threat to cyclists.
Yahya Pratley was on his way to work at Known Source, a company in Mayfair known for upcycling second-hand fashion, when the incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they were called to the scene at 10:59 a.m. on April 12 following reports of a collision involving a van and a bicycle. Emergency services treated the cyclist at the scene before he was transferred to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries six days later. His family is being supported by specially trained officers.
Authorities reported that the van driver, a London resident, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail. The investigation remains active, and police continue to appeal for witnesses and any digital footage related to the incident. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the investigating team or call 101, referencing case number 2585/12APR25.
News of the fatal crash initially surfaced through Transport for London’s road collision data last month, although Yahya Pratley’s identity was not publicly confirmed until the Critical Mass event. At the memorial, friends of the deceased painted the ghost bike white and adorned it with his photograph, flowers, and condolence cards.
Known Source, the fashion company where Yahya Pratley worked, released a tribute stating their ongoing shock and mourning. The firm praised his intelligence, dedication, and warmth, noting his crucial role in building their headquarters and his lasting impact on the team. On Instagram, the company remembered him as their “main guy” in the store, a resident DJ, and a friend to many customers. They highlighted his expertise in fashion and his integral presence, adding that the headquarters felt like just as much his space as it did the company’s.
The company invited anyone with memories of Jamal to share them via direct message so they could be passed along to his family. The posts emphasized that his memory would live on, declaring, “Rest in peace Jamal, you will never ever be forgotten.”
A spokesperson from the Hackney Cycling Campaign also responded to the tragedy, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to Vision Zero, a strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. Expressing deep sympathy for Jamal’s parents, the spokesperson stated that even one death is too many and pledged ongoing advocacy for safer streets for all road users.
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