Nothing Super about cycling plans for London

Cycle Superhighways (CS), Quietways (QW), the cycle hire scheme, cycle parking, upgrades to junction design and ‘mini-Holland’ programmes – they’re all part of London’s cycling infrastructure.

But is it working?

The London Assembly Transport Committee report ‘London’s Cycling Infrastructure’ is published today. It reveals:

• Where the introduction of new CS routes has largely been successful, the jury is still out on the effectiveness of the QW programme.
• Plans to build major cycle parking schemes in London have not progressed.
• The bulk of new cycling infrastructure has been built in inner London.
• Difficulties cycling between outer London boroughs and safety concerns are likely to inhibit cycling growth in outer London.
• Dockless bike hire schemes have the potential to increase and widen cycle ridership in London.
• Data from dockless bike hire could be used to enhance cycle infrastructure.

The Transport Committee report recommends:

• TfL publish a timeline for the six new cycling routes announced by the Mayor in January 2018
• The Mayor change the name of Cycle Superhighways to something more inclusive
• TfL should produce a cycle parking plan, setting out clear steps towards meeting the obvious demand that is currently not being met
• The Office of Rail and Road consider the need for more cycle parking at train stations
• The Mayor engage with boroughs for a pan-London approach to dockless bikes

Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee said;

"There are major and minor things that need to be considered urgently with regard to cycling infrastructure. The term ‘Superhighway’ for example, creates the wrong impression for what this infrastructure is supposed to deliver. It appears to emphasise cycling long distances at high speed, which may not be the best way to attract a wider range of inexperienced people to cycle.

We also are concerned that we will not see sufficient progress before the end of this Mayor’s term on the six new routes announced at the beginning of this year. We therefore ask TfL to publish a timeline for these new routes and to set a date by which plans for the 19 remaining routes will be published.

London will not become a cycle-friendly city overnight. It will take sustained political effort over many years to build a network that people of all ages and abilities will want to use.

Political leadership is needed to drive through improvements in cycling infrastructure and we would urge the Mayor to provide this to ensure Londoners have access to higher quality cycling routes.”