The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched an incentive scheme today (20 May 2016) to encourage London’s businesses to get their staff cycling by announcing that businesses who sign up to the new Santander Cycles Business Accounts scheme before 1 July 2016 will receive a 10 per cent discount.
Following a successful pilot scheme, the initiative – which offers easy cycle-hire access - is now being targeted at businesses across the capital to encourage their employees to cycle to and from their offices or meetings.
The Mayor has also today reaffirmed his commitment to make cycling safer and easier for every Londoner as he begins scrutinising major plans for new cycle superhighways and the transformation of key junctions in the heart of the capital.
Sadiq Khan vowed to learn from previous schemes when he runs the rule over the results of major public consultations on three new cycle superhighways and the transformation of two key junctions in the heart of the capital. He said he is committed to learning from previous schemes and improving the consultation process as he creates schemes that benefit pedestrian safety and improve public space, as well as protecting and encouraging cyclists.
The first completed consultations that the Mayor will be considering are:
• North South Superhighway Phase 2 – a 1.5 mile extension from Stonecutter Street to Kings Cross that would complete a continuous cycle route from Elephant and Castle to Kings Cross
• East West Superhighway Phase 2 – a 4.5 mile extension from Paddington to Acton, via the Westway, that would create a continuous segregated cycle route from Barking to Acton, through the heart of central London
• CS11 - From Swiss Cottage to West End (Portland Place) - a 2.5 mile route from Swiss Cottage to Portland Place, providing a continuous, safe route through Regents Park to the West End
• Hammersmith gyratory better junction – creating a safer and more direct cycle route through Hammersmith town centre
• Highbury Corner better junction – removing the one-way system to create a more pleasant and accessible area for all users, with improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Mayor signed the LCC Sign for Cycling campaign before the election, setting out his intention to triple the current superhighway provision, with a focus on segregated lanes, promoting safer, cleaner lorries, and ensuring boroughs can enjoy the benefits of improved cycling provision by offering Mini-Holland style schemes.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I want to make London a byword for cycling by making it an easier and safer choice for more Londoners. Although a great deal of progress has been made, we need to increase the pace of change and make cycling to work the obvious, affordable and safe choice for thousands more Londoners.
“As part of this, I encourage all businesses in London to sign up to the Santander Cycles Business Accounts scheme and to take advantage of the new incentive.
“Getting more people cycling in London is going to be central to achieving a greener, more modern and more affordable transport network. I’ve got an inbox full of cycling schemes to consider and I am determined to learn the lessons from previous projects as I increase TfL’s spend on cycling safety, triple the current superhighway provision, roll out new town-centre cycling improvement plans, and promote safer, cleaner lorries.”
Notes to editors
•For more detail about how to register for a Santander Cycles Business Account, go to https://tfl.gov.uk/business-accounts
•British Cycling, the UK’s national body for cycling, has also given their support to Santander Cycles Business Accounts, building on their #choosecycling network which brings together businesses that strongly believe more cycling is good for their workforce.
•British Cycling Campaigns Manager, Martin Key, said: “Cycling is often the quickest and most reliable way to navigate London, especially for short journeys. Santander Cycles Business Accounts is a brilliant initiative to incentivise businesses to encourage employees to cycle to the office or meetings. Not only will this save money, it will also lead to a healthier, more productive workforce.”