London Mayoral candidate, Christian Wolmar, is targeting the cycling vote by putting 50,000 spoke cards on bicycles across the capital.
As further proof the cycling vote matters, Wolmar is keen to target London's approximately 400,000 cyclists, and to do so Wolmar's helpers will be hanging around bike racks across the capital getting their hands dirty in order to try and entice some of those votes.
The spoke cards include phrases like "10% of all journeys in London by bike by 2020", "A 20mph default on London's roads that is properly enforced" "Cyclists at the heart of every road junction redesign", "A network of safe, segregated, Dutch-style cycle lanes on major roads"
He also proposes to replace the controversial Garden Bridge with a cycle bridge, introduce 50,000 more bike parking spaces in the capital, and make the cycle hire scheme "cheaper and more extensive".
Wolmar said: “There are an estimated 400,000 cyclists who use London streets every day. As the Wolmar for London campaign has already shown, we can reach hundreds of cyclists during a single rush hour. With our vision for a more affordable, liveable and sustainable city, we are attracting people to Labour who like our ideas.
“We have a fresh and inspired message that appeals to real Londoners. We’re going to splash our bicycle spoke cards out across London over the summer, recruiting new supporters and members.”
50,000 cards to distribute to cyclists for @wolmarforlondon have arrived - help me put them out - DM me or go via my website
— Christian Wolmar (@christianwolmar) July 3, 2015
Wolmar's spoke card
Wolmar's key areas are housing, the environment and transport. He has been outspoken about issues like Oxford Street, one of the world's most polluted streets, which he would pedestrianise. In his monthly #askwolmar Q&As, many questions come from cyclists, some of which are easier to answer in 140 characters than others. Some answers are more controversial than others.
Wolmar on shared space
No, I think they can be made to work as they do v well in Netherlands. Need change of culture #askwolmar https://t.co/SXvo9P6Gg5
— Wolmar for London (@wolmarforlondon) July 3, 2015
Quietways are dependent on boroughs - ultimately there is weapon for mayor to take over roads but that is drastic. https://t.co/oflc92yI87
— Wolmar for London (@wolmarforlondon) July 3, 2015
#askwolmar How will you reduce car use in London to reduce pollution, congestion and road casualties, making it safer to walk and cycle?
— Rosalind Readhead (@Privatecarfree) July 3, 2015
Through 20 mph default zone,London wide ULEZ, pedestrianise Oxford St & others,segregated cycle lanes etc #askwolmar https://t.co/8P6DcAZmly
— Wolmar for London (@wolmarforlondon) July 3, 2015
Ahead of the 2012 London Mayoral elections all the major candidates signed up to the London Cycling Campaign's Love London, Go Dutch campaign, which attracted 40,000 signatures and called on the next mayor to introduce three flagship infrastructure schemes, which became London's mini Hollands, improve the cycle superhighways to Dutch standards, and improvements to junctions, all of which have happened to some extent.
Wolmar certainly won't be the only candidate courting the cycling vote ahead of next May's elections.
