Go-ahead for London's Cycle Superhighways "A game-changer for cycling", says CTC

The decision, taken this morning by the Board of Transport for London (TfL), means work will begin next month on the east-west and north-south Superhighway routes, dubbed “Crossrail for Bikes”.  The north-south route runs from Kings Cross to Elephant & Castle, while the iconic east-west route runs from Tower Bridge to Paddington via the Embankment, Parliament Square and Hyde Park, continuing westward to Acton via a new cycle track on the Westway flyover.  The Board also approved further measures on Cycle Superhighways 2 and 5, in east and south London respectively.

CTC’s Campaigns & Policy Director Roger Geffen said:

“These are two really bold schemes that will massively enhance the opportunity for people to take up cycling in London.  London’s roads and its economy will flow more smoothly, and we’ll all be able to breathe more easily in a healthier, greener city.  The designs of these schemes aren’t perfect but they absolutely deserve to go ahead without further delay.”

However, the decision comes after an intense campaign by vested interests with seats on the TfL Board to block the scheme.  Peter Anderson, Finance Director of the Canary Wharf Group (CWG), and Bob Oddy, Deputy General Secretary of the London Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), are both members of the TfL Board.

CWG had briefed strongly against the scheme during the consultation, and both organisations have threatened legal challenges, claiming that the consultation was inadequate.  This was despite a huge 8,847 responses, with 84% in favour. Meanwhile the Cycling Works campaign, informally backed by the London Cycling Campaign, revealed massive support from over 100 businesses and other London employers, including Royal Bank of Scotland, Orange, Coca Cola, Microsoft, law firm Allen & Overy, and Unilever – whose London office, Unilever House, stands at the crossing of the two Superhighway routes.  CTC’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund could support the schemes if a legal challenge is brought against it.