Nick Appleyard 21 November 2012

MPs calls on Johnson to improve cycling safety

London mayor Boris Johnson should set aside more road space for cyclists, according to a cross-party report out today.

The London Assembly’s transport committee has also urged more ambitious targets be set for the number of journeys made by bike in the capital as cycle safety continues to decrease in the city.

The report – entitled Gearing Up – calls on the mayor to double funding for cycling in Transport for London’s budget, timetable an action plan for the east-west cycle super corridor.

Assembly members also recommended a cycling commissioner is appointed and a plan was developed to ensure all children in London receive cycle training.

According to the report, the number of cyclists injured in the capital has increased year-on-year from 2,958 in 2006 to 4,497 last year.

The mayor wants 5% of journeys to be made by bike by 2026, but the committee says this should be doubled to 10%. Copenhagen has an ambition for 50% of journeys to be made by bike by 2015.

The investigation showed that as cycling participation increased in other European cities, so did the safety of cyclists. However, such a trend has not occurred in London, which has seen modest rises in the number of journeys made by bike in recent years.

Committee chair Caroline Pidgeon said: ‘Following a strong interest in cycling during the 2012 Games, it’s of great concern that cycle safety in London is now showing a decline in real terms. We are calling on the Mayor to act quickly to back up the warm words that make up his vision for cycling with real substance that has an impact on boosting safe cycling in London.

‘Our report shows measures such as doubling cycling funding, making more space on our roads for cyclists and improving junction design, and trialling creative ideas to improve safety could all play a part in encouraging more journeys in London to be made by bike. A more ambitious vision backed by real political will and safer conditions could help London reach the high levels of cycling seen in other European capitals.’

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner