‘Segregation will save cyclists’ lives’ says Boris Johnson – stands firm on cycle superhighway plans

A request from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for the city’s east-to-west cycle superhighway to be made semi- rather than fully-segregated has received short shrift, a spokesman for Boris Johnson replying: “The Mayor is of the strong view that segregation will save cyclists’ lives and that semi-segregation would not save any more road space.”

The London Evening Standard reports that the LCCI is in favour of diluting current plans, arguing that full segregation would restrict access to shops and businesses – particularly the Victoria Embankment. It instead favours semi-segregated cycle space which it feels would still reduce ‘perceived and actual dangers’ while allowing commercial vehicles close to their destinations. The LCCI’s director of policy and public affairs, Sean McKee, has also previously argued that cross-London cycle superhighways “could lead to a significant increase in traffic for other road users.”

In its submission to the consultation, the organisation said:

“There are a range of amendments that can, and must, be made to the current proposals from reviewing cycle lane dimensions to time allocated to lane usage. We urge TfL to review its current proposals and engage with interested parties to identify solutions that are pragmatic, balanced and in the best interests of the capital as a whole.”

Johnson’s spokesman said that the Mayor was listening to concerns about delays to other road users and is working with TfL to minimise them where possible. However, he also added: “Londoners support our plans, with around 80 per cent of respondents to our recent consultation in favour. A large number of London’s leading businesses have also pledged their support.”

In a related development, Royal Parks have said that pedestrians must remain the priority in the section that passes through Hyde Park and described existing cycle routes, such as Serpentine Road, the Broad Walk and Rotten Row as being unsuitable for “mass cycling”.

Colin Buttery, deputy chief executive of Royal Parks, said: “Whilst [we] acknowledge that the parks provide important transport connections for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, the parks are not transport corridors and should remain pedestrian priority areas.”

A spokesman for the Mayor said a full public consultation on this section would be carried out in the new year.