London to improve cycling provisions

London boroughs are being awarded funds in order to improve cycling facilities throughout the capital city. A total of £2.1 million has been awarded by Transport for London (TFL) in order to allow more provisions to be made to fit with the mayor of London's Vision for Cycling. An increase in the number of cyclists throughout the city could help to reduce gridlock on the roads at peak times, make people healthier and reduce household transportation costs.

TFL's funding will allow for borough councils to improve cycling measures as part of the Borough Cycling Programme. These measures will work towards making cycling a more accessible option for more people. It is hoped the funding will also improve safety for cyclists on the road and therefore encourage more people to take up this particular transport option.

One of the main problems faced by cyclists in the city, safe storage, is to be addressed through a £1 million investment to provide people with a greater range of on-street, residential and station parking for bikes. The lack of dedicated and safe storage is seen as a main reason why people do not opt for cycling throughout London.

Adults and children will also be able to benefit from cycle training thanks to the funding. These courses will aim to improve cyclists' confidence, as well as teach them the necessary protocols for cycling on roads and in urban areas. To further cyclists' confidence levels, freight operators will undertake Safer Urban Driving courses in order to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists, lorries, coaches and vans.

Ben Plowden, director of planning, surface transport for TFL, said: "This funding is a great opportunity for London boroughs to get local residents cycling. The boroughs play an important role in helping us deliver the mayor's Vision for Cycling and, with their help, we hope to increase the amount of people who regularly take to two wheels across London."

 

Published 2nd September, 2013

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