London cycling network five times bigger across last decade but campaigners argue more needed elsewhere
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
London’s Cycleway network has grown five-fold over the past decade to 450km, but cycling industry campaigners say more needs to be done across the UK to replicate the progress made in the capital.
The network, which stood at just 90km in 2016, has reached 450km following a series of new routes and extensions delivered in partnership with London’s boroughs.
Recent additions include a four-kilometre route in Islington, a 2.5km cycleway linking Camden Town and King’s Cross, and a 1.6km route connecting Wandsworth Common with Clapham Common.
Other projects include a 0.5km extension of Cycleway 29 on Ewell Road in Kingston, the completion of Cycleway 62 across Lambeth Bridge and the opening of the first section of Cycleway 43 between Hyde Park and Edgware Road.
Helen Cansick, Head of Healthy Streets and Investment at TfL, said: “A high-quality cycle network benefits everyone, whether they choose to cycle themselves or not, by helping to reduce traffic, improve local environments and support healthier neighbourhoods. There is more to come and we will continue to expand the network and enable even more people to travel safely and sustainably.”
The network is expected to grow further, with a new 4.5km route between Harrow and Pinner and a 0.7km extension of Cycleway 3 along Westbourne Terrace near Paddington Station both due to be completed later this year.
Cansick added: “Four hundred and fifty kilometres of cycleways is a significant milestone in our mission to create an integrated cycle network that connects people to the places they want to go. This milestone reflects the years of strong partnership with London’s boroughs to deliver safer and more accessible cycling infrastructure.”
However, cycling industry associations including the ACT argue that similar investment and long-term planning is needed beyond London if cycling is to become a more accessible transport option across the country.
The ACT has consistently highlighted the need for better cycling infrastructure and safer routes as part of wider efforts to encourage more people to cycle, with independent cycle retailers also playing a role in supporting and promoting cycling within their local communities.