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Charity Sustrans has launched a new campaign – Connect London – urging London Mayor Boris Johnson to build the world’s biggest cycle network in London by 2020.
Sustrans is lobbying for Johnson to build over 600 miles (1000km) of safe, quiet cycling routes across the capital at a cost of £10 million a year. £10 million is, incidentally, less than the cost of just one new underground train.
Building on the half and million journeys made by bike everyday in London, the proposed route will connect every borough in the capital and give cyclists ‘access to safe, quiet cycle routes for their entire journey’.
“The world’s biggest cycling network will put London on the map as a global leader in cycling and allow millions more journeys to be made by bike each day," said Sustrans London Director German Dector-Vega. “Cycling in London is booming but evidence shows that to help more people to feel safe on two wheels, we need to provide more continuous, safe routes.
According to Sustrans, the London Cycle Network will:
• Make London one of the most liveable cities in the world
• Improve the health of every Londoner, saving the NHS millions
• Dramatically reduce London’s air and noise pollution
The investment is a cost-effective way to boost cyclist numbers by giving people who don’t currently cycle the confidence to get on their bikes, Sustrans said.
Dector-Vega added: “The improved network will tackle dangerous junctions and impassable rivers and railways to make cycling accessible for everyone in London. Connecting every borough in London it will see communities flourish and local High Streets boom.
“The economic, environmental and health benefits of cycling are undeniable. By investing the world’s largest cycling network, London would not only be the greatest cycling city but also a more healthy, productive and cleaner city too.”
