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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner