Healthy Streets: Making roads fit for purpose

The healthy streets approach is a key priority in the Mayor's Transport Strategy (MTS).

The MTS sets the ambition that by 2041, all Londoners will do at least 20 minutes of active travel each day.

Today, the London Assembly Transport Committee publishes a letter to the Mayor with a number of recommendations to help ensure the healthy streets approach is embedded across Transport for London and London boroughs.

The recommendations include:

• The Mayor and TfL must challenge boroughs to propose and develop high quality healthy streets schemes
• New single brand cycle routes are clearly signposted and of a consistent high-quality
• TfL must expand its Safer Junctions Programme to include junctions pedestrians and cyclists avoid because they deem them too dangerous to use

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, Chair of the Transport Committee said:

“It’s important that all Londoners feel confident to walk, cycle and access public transport on streets across the capital.

“Not only does that benefit the environment by having fewer cars on the road but it also has the potential to improve health as people become more active.

“The Mayor’s Healthy Street approach is a welcome development to improving walking cycling and public transport across the capital. But more work is needed to ensure the approach is embedded across TfL and the boroughs and that high-quality schemes are delivered throughout London.

“The Mayor and TfL must also consider the difference between actual dangerous junctions and perceived dangerous junctions by pedestrians and cyclists.

“We all want Londoners to feel safe on London’s roads. Our recommendations will ensure the Mayor’s Healthy Streets Approach makes a difference to the health and lives of Londoners.”