Mayor’s Transport Strategy wants 'cycling revolution'

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has today outlined his vision and strategy to make London the ‘best big city on earth’, as he published three interlinked strategy documents that are now open to public consultation. And cycling is high on the agenda of the draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which sets out the Mayor’s vision for transport in London over the next 20 years.

The London Plan is the overall strategic development plan for the capital, and sets out an integrated economic, social, environmental and transport policy framework for London over the years to 2031.

The draft Mayor’s Transport Strategy sets out the Mayor’s vision for transport in London over the next 20 years, and Mayor Boris wants to ensure that London’s transport is easy, safe and convenient for everyone and encourage cycling, walking and low-polluting vehicles.

The strategy also outlines plans to make the Capital one of the world’s great cycling cities with a ‘cycling revolution.’

A cycle revolution would see a dramatic increase in the use of bicycles for travelling in London, supported by improvements to cycle infrastructure and awareness, and this will reduce pressure on public transport, contribute to cleaner air, and improve people’s health and fitness.

The revolution includes The London Cycle Hire scheme, which will make 6,000 bikes available for hire in Central London, with 400 docking stations located approximately every 300m, and the Cycle Superhighways, which will be routes that provide a safe, fast, direct, continuous and comfortable way of getting from Outer London into Central London by bicycle.

Since the first Transport strategy was published in 2001 there have been significant successes, including unprecedented numbers of people switching from their cars to using public transport, walking or cycling, and a 90 per cent increase in the number of cycling trips.

The Strategy also details a number of improvements planned for the transport system, including upgrades to the Tube, London Overground and the overland Rail network.

The Mayor said: “I want London to be the best big city on earth. That means a place that brims with opportunity, talent and economic activity, but also a place where children can grow up in safety, and where all Londoners can get around their city with ease as they share equitably in our city’s success. We need to nurture our environment to enhance our quality of life and be at the forefront of action to tackle climate change.

“Over the coming months we’ll be listening to what Londoners think of our approach, and together we will make create a better, cleaner, greener, and more liveable city where heritage is valued and the future is embraced.”

To view the strategies and to register your views visit http://www.london.gov.uk/shaping-london.