The seven Central London boroughs, the City of London, the Royal Parks, the Canal & River Trust and Transport for London (TfL) today publish for public comment their draft cycle network for Central London, the “Central London Grid.”
“Cycle streets” closed to other traffic, new routes by parks and sixty miles of backstreet “Quietways” are part of the proposed Grid. Many of the new Quietway routes will run parallel to Tube lines or bus routes so that cyclists will know where they go. A “Circle Line Quietway” and a “Victoria Line Quietway” are among the routes published today.
A number of Superhighway and other main-road routes will also form part of the Grid, most fully or semi-separated from traffic (with solid kerbs or traffic wands) where they run on busy roads.
Some one-way streets will be made two-way for cyclists. Intimidating and difficult junctions will be improved. A study will be launched into traffic restrictions on one very busy main road corridor where there is no room for segregation and no Quietway alternative.
The proposed Quietway routes are aimed at those who would like to cycle now, but are put off by having to do it on busy roads. The long-term purpose is to broaden the demographic mix, and change the culture, of London cycling.
Each of the routes being published for comment today is the product of discussions with the borough whose road it is and each will be delivered by the boroughs with TfL money. More than 95 per cent of the roads in Central London are owned by the seven borough councils, the Royal Parks and the City of London, not TfL.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “We are creating a new network of routes for a new kind of cyclist: routes for people who want to cycle slowly, in their ordinary clothes, away from most of the traffic. These are your secret cycling passages through London, taking you everywhere you need to go, directly and easily, using routes you might never know existed until we showed you.
“The Central London Grid will, I hope, de-Lycrafy the bicycle, reduce the testosterone levels of cycling, and move towards a continental-style cycling culture, where cycling is normal.”
The cycling commissioner for London, Andrew Gilligan, said: “This is a promising start, but it is a first draft and we are looking forward to the views and ideas of the cycling community, residents, local business and anyone with an interest. Further changes will then be made in discussions with our partners in the boroughs.”
Cllr Ed Argar, cabinet member for city management, transport and environment at Westminster City Council, said: “We support and share the Mayor of London’s vision and ambition for cycling and are determined to play our part in making that a reality on our streets. We want to make Westminster a national leader in cycling provision.
"Westminster is delighted to be a key partner in the Central London Grid, and we are looking forward to working with our residents to deliver this new network."
Cllr Phil Jones, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Transport and Planning at Camden Council, said: “Camden is committed to prioritising and delivering excellent provision for cyclists in the borough, whether you are a commuter or weekend enthusiast. The Central London Cycling Grid will link up cycle routes across London, and provide facilities so that new and less confident cyclists can cycle more.
"Camden will be at the heart of the plans and we will work with the Mayor and other boroughs to get the best cycling facilities for our residents and businesses. We're looking forward to hearing views on the grid and initial proposed routes so we can consider these as the plans are developed."
Michael Welbank, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning Committee, said: ‘We fully support anything that makes roads safer for all users - including cyclists - and ‘Quietways’ are particularly relevant in the Square Mile where we have so many lanes and narrow streets.’
Ben Plowden, Director of Strategy and Planning, TfL Surface Transport, said: “The Central London Grid will make it easier than ever for people to start cycling in London. The routes are mainly off busy roads and easily accessible for anyone who wants to cycle at a slower pace, in their ordinary clothes and away from the majority of traffic. The map published today shows our early thoughts on possible routes, and while these may change we would welcome thoughts and suggestions from everyone on the proposals we are sharing today.”
Notes to editors
1. TfL are interested to everyone’s views, both on the central London Cycle Grid in general, on specific routes in this document and on any routes that you feel may be missing. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cyclinggrid or email [email protected] or contact the relevant borough.
2. Comments sent to TfL will also be shared with the borough whose road it is. If you could indicate the borough(s) to which you are referring, we will ensure that these comments are forwarded on.
3. The deadline for comments is 14 February 2014.
4. The first routes will open next year and at least half the network is planned to be complete by 2016. All the Superhighways will be complete by 2016.
5. The Central London Grid is one element of the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling in London. Click here for more information about the Vision and to watch a short film.
6. Images of the Grid are available on request