The latest cyclist to be killed on London’s roads was today described as “the greatest bloke in the world” by his colleagues at a sandwich delivery firm.
Javed Sumbal, 34, was on his way to work when he was knocked off his bike at the Arbour Square junction in Commercial Road at 8.20am yesterday.
Despite the efforts of a passing first aider, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the Dutch-registered lorry which hit him has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
Mr Sumbal, known as Jay to colleagues, was described as “the mascot” at Darwin’s Deli, in Barnardo Street, Shadwell, where he delivered sandwiches to offices on his bike.
Area manager Ricardo Jacques said: “It was impossible not to like him. He was a big guy and larger than life in every way. He was always happy and lifted your mood.
“We held regular staff barbecues and he was the chef. He had a secret sauce for the chicken which he said came from his home city of Lahore. The people in the offices where he delivered loved him. He was a hard worker and just the best person.”
Mr Sumbal, an arts graduate, was studying for an MBA. He had worked at the deli for six months to fund his studies and lived nearby. Colleague Gabriella Bakacsi, 25, said: “He was so caring, just the other day he gave me a light for my bike so I would be safer. We loved him so much and can’t believe he has gone.”
Darwin’s Deli staff sprayed one of their bikes white and were planning to place the “ghost bike” at the junction where he died as a memorial.
Transport for London said 14 cyclists had been killed on the capital’s roads this year.
