Harris, a 28-year-old web expert from Ilford, was killed on on Wednesday (August 1) following a collision with a bus that was leaving the Olympic Park to take a group of journalists to ExCel.

In the immediate aftermath, Tour de France winner and Olympic time trial gold medallist Bradley Wiggins called for it to be made compulsory for cyclists to be made to wear helmets.

Several other groups have also used Harris' death to launch campaigns for better safety for cyclist, even though it later emerged that Harris was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

"Our family do not want Daniel's name associated with any protests, or used for any 'political point-scoring' whatsoever by pro-cycling lobbyists or similar factions," the Harris family said in a statement released today by the Metropolitan Police.

The 65-year-old bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released on bail and is due to return later this month, pending further inquiries.

"We as a family would like to thank everyone for their kind words of support over our tragic and devastating loss of a wonderful son and boyfriend," the Harris family in the statement.

"This is for all the friends and strangers who have said some truly beautiful things about our boy.

"Everyone who knew Dan loved him for his sense of humour, fun and adventure.

"He was an experienced cyclist and we want it to be known that he was wearing a helmet.

"He wasn't just cycling because of the high profile it has received because of the Olympics, he was just going backwards and forwards to work as he always did.

"In the past he has cycled across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and back.

"He was from a very young age a swimmer, kayaker and generally keen on all watersports.

"As a lifeguard in his teens he was always safety conscious, but was nevertheless always ready to take on a challenge."

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