The micromobility industry has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) plans to restart work on building new cycling schemes in the capital after securing vital investment as part of the latest funding agreement with the Government.
TfL was forced to pause some of its investments in cycling schemes due to successive short-term funding agreements.
But following negotiations, the transport body has secured £80 million per year until 31 March 2024 on cycling and walking schemes as part of its Healthy Streets Programme.
TfL will now begin construction of up to 14km of cycleways, including on C9 East from Brentford to Kensington Olympia; C23 from Lea Bridge to Dalston; and C37 from Hackney to Westferry.
“TfL’s resumed investment in cycling schemes in London has our full backing,” Lime’s Senior Public Affairs Manager for UK and Ireland, Hal Stevenson, told Zag Daily.
“For too long Londoners have been subjected to an environment that prioritises cars over people. This new funding will help deliver further safe cycle routes across the city and provides even more evidence that London is fast establishing itself as a global capital for micromobility.”
TfL will also continue the design of a further 16km of cycleways, including sections of C9 West from Hounslow to Brentford, and a new cycle route from Wembley to Wood Lane.
Julian Scriven, Managing Director of Brompton Bike Hire, told Zag: “The evidence is clear that when you have safe and continuous infrastructure, more people cycle.
“If we are to tackle the appalling levels of air pollution and congestion in our cities, we need to provide decent choices to help reduce the number of people driving and increase levels of active travel.
“This announcement is a key step in that direction. As a London-based business we’re both pleased but also deeply committed to doing our bit to get more Londoners cycling.”
In addition to the cycle lanes, TfL will continue lowering speed limits across London to reduce road danger. The plan is to introduce a 20mph speed cap on a further 28km of roads in the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Haringey by March 2023.
All these schemes support the London Mayor’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from the transport network.
Dott’s UK and Ireland Public Policy Manager Iqbal Ahmed added: “It is great to see TfL progressing with more cycle lanes, which will help people to feel safe whilst using shared e-scooters and e-bikes, making it easier for them to choose an efficient and sustainable vehicle when getting around London.”
