Work has begun on two new Barclays Cycle Superhighway routes in London, due to open in July 2011. The routes will link Bow to Aldgate (CS2) and Wandsworth to Westminster (CS8).
Transport for London (TfL) have promised funding for cycle facilities in boroughs along the routes, including City, Tower Hamlets, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Wandsworth. These areas will be able to bid for a share of a £625,000 pot in order to provide cycle parking, training and bike safety checks.
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans have welcomed the funding. “We know that creating routes for cycling doesn't work in isolation,” said policy advisor Eleanor Besley. “People need to be actively encouraged onto their bikes and onto the cycle routes."
Members of the Wandsworth Cycling Campaign (WCC) have also welcomed the news – but they've raised concerns about speed limits on the cycle superhighways. A spokesman said: “WCC is concerned that TfL is unwilling to introduce a 20mph speed limit along the length of both routes. If this measure was introduced it would both increase the actual safety and reduce the perceived danger for both cyclists and pedestrians."
The existing Barclays Cycle Superhighways from Merton to the City (CS7) and Barking to Tower Gateway (CS3) were launched in July 2010. Transport for London say results from both 'pilot' routes suggest an overall increase in cycle journeys of 70 percent. However, quite a number of criticisms were levelled at the existing routes. Are you a user of Superhighways – if so what do you think; have they improved the life of cyclists since their introduction?