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Thu 6 Nov, 12:10 pm UTC

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Mixed messages in London Mayor’s transport vision

By Richard Peace

The London Mayor’s just-released outline of his plans for the capital’s transport system appears to contain mixed messages about his support and encouragement of cycling in Greater London.

In the policy outline ‘Way to Go’ there is both significant emphasis on pro-car measures that could be seen as anti-cyclist – notably a promise to end the "punishment" of car drivers by "unblocking the roads" – and a slap on the wrist for “some cyclists (who) do not go out of their way to earn the admiration of other Londoners.”

One part of the report that may not go down well with cyclists is confirmation of a trial of motorcycles in bus lanes on Red Routes (from January 2009).

Indeed, the cycling section of the paper begins extremely negatively, with a promise to “encourage…whatever steps are possible and necessary to crack down on aggressive cycling.”

In a rather contradictory approach, Mayor Johnson, a celebrated cyclist himself, then heaps words of praise upon the bike, saying it’s “the smartest and most efficient choice,” and says he is “aiming to introduce” a Paris-style bike hire scheme by 2010.

There is little detail on how cycle lanes and the London Cycle Network in particular will be improved to encourage more cyclists.

Instead there is puzzlement that certain routes don’t already exist:

“It is an utter disgrace that there is no decent cycle lane on the Victoria Embankment or on the north side of the Park – and I cannot understand the ban on cycling virtually everywhere in the Royal Parks,” said Johnson.

He did however promise some “creative thinking” to enable “barrier-busting” for cyclists, citing the city’s gyratories and one way systems as true impediments to two-wheeled progress.

Many cyclists will also no doubt be glad to see the back of ‘bendy buses’ whose phasing out is confirmed in the document and which also backs several huge new public transport infrastructure projects, including Crossrail and Tube updating plans  – though these were firmly in place before Johnson was voted in.

London Cycling Campaign stressed that new initiatives, such as the public-hire bike scheme, should not be funded at the expense of existing schemes such as the London Cycle Network and cycle training in schools.

“We share the Mayor’s view that a cycle-ised city is a civilised city but for his flagship programmes to succeed he has to continue supporting the many smaller initiatives that will make the big ones work,” said Koy Thomson, LCC’s Chief Executive. 

The document is a precursor to official consultation on the Mayor’s official transport strategy but comments are welcomed. Send them to waytogo@london.gov.uk

User Comments

There are 9 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 comments

  • 'a slap on the wrist for “some cyclists (who) do not go out of their way to earn the admiration of other Londoners.'

    If he means cracking down on the stupid few who dis-regard peoples safety, then I'm all for it. Slightly worried they'll be dishing out £30 fines like confetty, to anyone to hops up a kerb though....Not every policeman/woman/warden/CPO is cycle minded.

  • I think you've been a little selective in your review of the article in question. It also contains some initiatives for cycling, such as a focused attack on potholes and the removal of the risky railings around junctions which have been part of some recent tragedies.

    I agree with Salsarider that efforts to make cyclists behave within the law would be welcomed, and also am happy to note Boris' acceptance that things like banning cycling in most of the Royal Parks is ridiculous. It seems to be an attitude of give and take.

    The focus on improving conditions for cars would hopefully contribute to a less stressed, overwrought and frustrating drive through London, which might help to make drivers more relaxed and aware of their surroundings, including cyclists.

  • Why are the cycling media so against allowing motorbikes in Bus lanes? It is a very logical step, the two forms of transport are very compatible, and most motorcyclists are much more aware of the two wheeled counterparts than other motorists. (Mainly as a scary minory of motorists seem unable to see either bikes or bikes).

    Why not get the buses out of the bus lanes? Make them exclusively for two wheeled transport. Now that would encourage more people out of their cars and onto two wheels, with or without an engine.

  • Boris's report sounds good to me.

    - I have no real objection to motorbikes using bus lanes, though do get frustrated when they block advanced stop lines.

    - i'm all for stopping 'rogue' cyclists running red lights etc.. by fining them. Hopefully this will improve cyclings image in the eyes of drivers.

    - the on-way and gyratory systems are indeeed a complete nightmare. Theres a particularly bad junction over tower bridge near aldgate that requires crossing 4 lanes of traffic to continue travelling north. A few well placed cycle 'shortcuts' could avoid these.

  • Maybe they should start with filling in all the pot holes that are in bus lanes first. Also it would be an idea to look at the placement and size of manhole covers. The other night i had to grit my teeth and pray that i did not come off as there are so many directly in a cyclists path in C London that it is impossible to swerve past them. Many of them were 6' Long by 3' wide and are a total nightmare in the wet.

  • Like everybody else, I don't see what is so anti-cyclist about cracking down on rogue cyclists. If anything it should improve conditions for everybody else by helping to increase the respect from other road users.

  • I'm amazed at the attitude of some 'cyclists' on here. Instead of berating the action of a number of cyclists, you should be hammering an infrastructure that continues to regard cyclists as second rate road users providing them little or dangerous facilities.

    Quote "Hopefully this will improve cyclings image in the eyes of drivers " ...... absolute bull**** , get the 1,500,000 motorists that are on the roads illegally removed.

    Quote " The focus on improving conditions for cars would hopefully contribute to a less stressed, overwrought and frustrating drive through London, which might help to make drivers more relaxed and aware of their surroundings, including cyclists. "

    Is this a cycle forum or a promotion for motorists and an excuse exercise for their behaviour.

    SHAMEFULL.

  • Hi

    I am a longtime road cyclist who has recently bought a motorbike. Having used both in London I think that allowing motorcyclists in bus lanes is a very positive thing and should not have drawn such ire from the cycling press / lobby. They will generally share the space very effectively I think.

    Motorbikers in London are often usually quite skilled road users and - nutters aside - are considerate. Alas the same cannot be said for many cyclists. And no, I probably don't mean most of the folk reading this. ;-)

    Paul

  • I'm a keen cyclist and a motorcyclist. I really can't understand the apparent violent antipathy of some cyclists towards motorcyclists. Most motorcyclists are keenly aware of the vulnerability of all two-wheelers, powered or not.

    Yes there are a few thoughtless idiots that ride without a care for their own safety or anyone elses, just as there are cyclists who seem to think that they can run red lights or switch to and from the pavement on the fly.

    Surely responsible road users recognise that we all have a duty to share the roads with everyone else? Like most people, I sometimes use a car. It doesn't matter what mode of transport I adopt: I'm a road user and I am as considerate of other users as I possibly can be.

    It really saddens me when one group takes a set against another. The one thing I wish for is that the driving test should be made more stringent and that the roads should be properly policed, with regular transgressors losing their licences.

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