The number of motorcyclists killed in London has increased by 33 percent, according to new data published by Transport for London (TfL).

According to TfL, 36 motorcyclists were killed on London roads in 2015, compared to 27 the previous year. The number of serious injuries was also up from 507 to 514 during the same period.

The figures from TfL coincided with a report into motorcyclist safety, by London Assembly’s Transport Committee.

The report, which includes responses from over 1,200 motorcyclists, found that 62 percent had been involved in a near-miss, while over a third of respondents admitted that they felt unsafe when riding on roads in London.

The report also found that there were 5,233 injuries to motorcyclists on London’s roads in 2014; an increase of nearly 21% compared to 2010.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has said that TfL is stepping up efforts to improve the safety of motorcyclists as part of operation ‘Winchester’ – an initiative aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle and scooter collisions in London.

Responding to the TfL’s announcement, Valerie Shawcross, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee said: “It's no coincidence that TfL rushed out a PR release the day before our report was published - they know they've not done enough to protect motorcyclists in London”.

Helen Williams, a senior road accident solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “These latest statistics highlight the vulnerability of motorcyclists in the capital.

“We have long called for improved road infrastructure to protect all road users, and the rise in motorcyclist deaths is a stark reminder that more must be done to better protect the most at-risk road users.

“TfL has failed to properly address motorcyclist safety and Boris’ attempt to salvage his credibility in this area is too little too late especially for the families of the 36 motorcyclists killed on London’s roads last year.”