Mayor Boris Johnson has today published what LCC believes to be one of the most ambitious plans to promote cycling ever produced by a major UK political leader.



Describing it as a "profound shift in my ambitions and intentions for the bicycle in London," the plan - entitled The Mayor's Vision for Cycling in London - contains bold improvements over past policy and sets a challenge for all decision-makers across London.

Speaking to LCC the Mayor's Cycling Commissioner, Andrew Gilligan said:



"Today's document shows how seriously the Mayor has taken his Go Dutch promise to the LCC and the cyclists of London. Both the Mayor and I pay tribute to the LCC, journalists, bloggers and other campaigners for driving the issue so far up the political agenda."



With multiple commitments to adopt Dutch style infrastructure and international best practice - as well as commitments on better cycle routes, motor traffic restriction in residential areas and 'mini-Holland' town centre developments - Mayor Johnson has made his strongest statement to date that he means to keep the promises he made to LCC's Love London, Go Dutch campaign.



Responding to the Vision for Cycling LCC Chief Executive Ashok Sinha said:



"The Mayor's Vision for Cycling is exciting and ground-breaking, and a just reward for the 42,000 people who supported our Love London Go Dutch campaign. Although it could be improved and we are yet to see the details, which will be critical to its success, the Vision represents a major leap in political ambition and funding for cycling over the next three years, and is an unambiguous commitment to learning from international best practice as called for by LCC supporters."

Key wins for LCC's campaigning include:



- An increase in the total cycling budget to almost £400m over the next three years.

- £100m (instead of £19m) set aside for implementing the Better Junctions Review - which will also now prioritise the worst junctions for cycling.

- A commitment to delivering future Cycle Superhighways to 'close to international standards'.

- One to three "mini-Holland" developments in outer London showcasing how town centres can be redesigned around cycling.

- The development of a London cycling network, including a Central London Bike Grid, a key LCC demand.



The Mayor also promises to deliver:



- A London wide network of superhighways, quietways and local connections ("essentially the London Cycle Network done properly" in the words of his Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan, speaking to LCC) and described as a 'Tube network for the bike'

- Cycle Superhighways re-designed with more segregation, or rerouted, to be 'close to' international standards (we demand at least the Dutch standard).

- East West corridor of segregated routes connecting White City to Barking using lanes from the Westway and along Victoria Embankment.

- Better neighbourhoods for everyone by providing 'filtered permeability' across the boroughs.

- New design standards for transport and cycle planners to support the Mayor's Vision.

- 20mph zones on some of the major TfL roads.

- Super Cycle Hubs for access to one main line rail station and at suburban centres.

- £100 million for cycling in London's outer boroughs.

- Borough cycling funding to be conditional on ensuring best safety standards for borough HGVs - in line with LCC's Safer Lorries, Safer Cycling campaign.

- Major developments to be monitored for pro-bike content and Olympic Park cycling provision to be improved

- Bikes to be allowed on off-peak DLR trains - on a trial basis.

- Chris Boardman added "It was great to hear Boris state to the press that he will look very carefully at restricting HGVs coming into the city." (British Cycilng report)







Does Vision 2020 go far enough?



Whilst commending the Vision LCC remains concerned that it does not go far enough; for example there is no clear direction to TfL to prioritise walking and cycling as the general rule in London streets, there appears to be a substantial reduction in cycling funding envisaged from the next Mayoralty onwards, and it contains no upwards revision of the modal share target for cycling from 5% to 10% as recommended by the London Assembly.



In more detail, our concerns include:



- Cycling funding appears to decline in the long term (£400m over first three years but only the remainder of £913 - £73m p.a. on average - over the next seven years). Denmark and the Netherlands have historically delivered sustained long term funding for cycling, which has been key to their success in raising cycling levels.

- The target for growth in cycle trips and mode share to 2026 has not increased in line with London Assembly recommendations or the Mayor's aspiration to 20% of journeys made by bike..

- There is no unambiguous commitment to prioritise sustainable transport over motor vehicle capacity.

- There is a commitment to deliver superhighways 'close to' international standards, which seems unnecessarily ambiguous.

- TfL's 'early start' facility is planned to be rolled out widely. We have objected to this all along does not deliver a true early start for cyclists, and neither does is cater for large intersections.

- The White City - Barking segregated cycle highway route will only work if provides safe and inviting connections along the way and at each end.



LCC will work with the Mayor and TfL to not only help implement the Vision but also improve it further to fully meet Love London, Go Dutch standards.



Watch this space for a full, detailed analysis.





