Charity advocates the creation of a 600-mile cycle network in London

The creation of Cycle Superhighways and the launch of the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme has already boosted the appeal of London lettings in numerous parts of the capital.

Indeed, cycling is a low-cost way to get around the city and many people prefer to travel on two wheels than to use buses or Tubes on a daily basis.

But if sustainable transport charity Sustrans has its way, many more parts of London could be facing higher demand for rental property as dedicated cycle routes pop up.

The group is urging London's Mayor Boris Johnson to create the world's biggest cycle network - connecting every borough and covering more than 600 miles - by 2020 to make cycling safer and easier for all.

It would link existing cycle routes with quiet streets and green spaces, making all of London accessible by bike without having to negotiate busy junctions and traffic-congested roads.

Sustrans claims that the cost of delivering the network would be £10 million a year for eight years, which is less than the cost of one new train on the London Underground network annually.

"London is experiencing a cycling boom, with more people on their bikes than ever before," the charity noted. "But while the number of people cycling continues to increase, many people still feel too unsafe to travel by bike.

"We know there is huge potential to increase cycling levels but evidence shows that to help more people feel safe on two wheels we need to provide more continuous, safe routes."

In addition to improving safety on the roads, the proposed cycle network would also create a lasting legacy following the London Olympics, lead to reductions in air and noise pollution, boost public health and make London "one of the most liveable cities in the world", Sustrans claims.

As part of its campaign the charity is asking cyclists and non-cyclists alike to sign its petition, which it will present to Boris Johnson urging him to consider the plans. It is hoping to gather 50,000 signatures.

Posted by Ben Carter

Published 14th December, 2012

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