Positive improvements for cyclists – such as segregated bike lanes, a network of borough 'quietways' and existing cycle superhighways improvements – were today welcomed by the London Assembly. However, the Transport Committee’s previous work warned that without adequate funding Mayor Boris Johnson could fail to meet his targets for safer cycling and increasing journeys taken by bike^[1].

The Committee has called on the Mayor to double Transport for London's (TfL) budget for cycling^[2] to tackle the recent rise in cycling injuries, which have seen a 50 per cent increase in London since 2006^[3]. TfL confirmed £913 million will be spent in the capital over a decade^[4], but the work of the Committee shows that this is insufficient and, per year, only matches the budget provided for cycling in 2010^[5].

As new figures showed that London experienced a 155 per cent increase in people cycling to work over the past decade^[6], the Mayor's cycle vision reflected many of the recommendations set out in the Transport Committee's recent report on cycle safety, Gearing Up^[7]. These include improvements to junctions, examining cycle lane segregation, appointing a cycling commissioner to champion new ideas and borough cycling investment^[8]. 

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, said:

“Far from seeing evidence of a serious commitment to a 'cycling revolution', the Mayor’s vision lacks ambition for his pledges to make London safer and more inviting for cycling. While £913 million may seem an impressive figure, its impact will be diluted over ten years and is not a significant advancement on current funding levels. To have real impact, we’re calling for the investment in cycling to be doubled.

“The Committee has previously highlighted how segregated cycle paths, junction and cycle superhighway improvements and tackling HGV safety would improve safety for cyclists, and we're delighted to see these included in the Mayor's cycle vision. If Boris Johnson is serious about leaving a lasting cycling legacy for London – boosting journeys by bike and improving safety – more ambitious targets, backed by serious funding, are needed."

ENDS 

Notes to Editors

1. The Mayor’s plan for a “cycling revolution”
2. In 2013/14 the Transport Committee's report, Gearing Up, asks that at least £145m is spent on cycling in London (which is equivalent to 2 per cent of TfL’s budget). For subsequent years, TfL should set out the resources it will require to meet the Mayor’s target to increase cycling.
3. Pedal cyclist injuries rose 50 per cent in London from 2958 to 4497 between 2006 and 2011 (all roads). While the number of cycling journeys taken rose 16 per cent between 2006 and 2010, the number of injuries rose at nearly double this rate. Source: Transport for London.

1. Transport for London's Business Plan
2. Percentage of the planned transport budget for cycling still does not match its modal share.
3. Office for National Statistics Census Data
4. Gearing Up (December 2012) – London Assembly's Transport Committee report on cycle safety
5. The Assembly’s recommendations to the Mayor, Transport for London (TfL) and the Government included:

• doubling funding for cycling in TfL’s transport budget
• timetabling an action plan for the east-west cycle ‘super corridor’
• appointing a commissioner to champion cycling and;
• more space on London's roads for cyclists, including using the experience of Games Lanes during London 2012
• developing a plan to ensure all children in London receive cycle training

1. Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
2. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For more details, please contact Sheena Craig in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4603/ 07795 616 902.  For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, on 020 7983 4100.