London Assembly members John Biggs, Jenny Jones and Caroline Pidgeon today offered qualified support for Transport for London’s proposals to make Bow roundabout safer for cyclists but said more needs to be done for pedestrians.
TfL told the cross-party group on Tuesday that only one of the two junctions at the roundabout where two cyclists were killed last year could be made safer before the Olympics.
TfL presented the Assembly members with improvement options, following a two year campaign by John Biggs and other local groups to make the roundabout safer for all road users and pedestrians.
London Assembly member, John Biggs, who represents Tower Hamlets said: "These proposals are a welcome first-step but do nothing to improve pedestrian safety. Much more needs to be done. There are new developments going up in the area and we are only going to see an increase in the number of pedestrians. I am urging TfL to take this into account."
Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly group said: "These improvements are just the first step. They must be followed through with a much bigger plan of work to improve safety and access for pedestrians as well."
Jenny Jones, leader of the Green group on the London Assembly, said: "Recommendations for Bow roundabout were ignored because car drivers' time was seen as more of a priority than cyclist and pedestrian safety. As a temporary fix, the junction must be made safe for cyclists ahead of the Olympics and safe for everyone afterwards. However, if we want to avoid further deaths on busy roads around London, then the Mayor needs to make safety a real priority again."
The Assembly members are encouraging local residents to respond to the consultation so that their local knowledge, experiences and suggestions are heard. Find out more here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/22247.aspx.
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Notes
1. John Biggs is the London Assembly member for City and East London, covering the boroughs Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking & Dagenham and the City of London.
2. Jenny Jones is leader of the Green Group on the London Assembly
3. Caroline Pidgeon is leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group