“Superhighways” announced for London’s cyclists

Two of London’s 12 proposed Cycle Superhighways were unveiled this week by Mayor Boris Johnson.

Cyclists will have priority on the two routes, which will provide “safe, direct and continuous” cycling access to central London from South Wimbledon and Barking.

Transport for London (TfL) is putting together plans for a total of 12 cycle superhighways, each of which will cover a route of between 10km and 15km, and run on a combination of TfL roads and council managed routes.

Each route will have its own identity with easy to follow signs and road markings.

Mayor Johnson said the superhighways are “central” to his vision for a cycling revolution in the capital.

“I’m not kidding when I say I’m militant about cycling,” Johnson said.

“No longer will pedal power have to dance and dodge around petrol power - on these routes the bicycle will dominate and that will be clear to all others using them.

“That should transform the experience of cycling - boosting safety and confidence of everyone using the routes and reinforcing my view that the bike is the best way to travel in this wonderful city of ours.”

Environmental groups have welcomed the proposals, but warned that they must be adequately funded if they are to be as safe as the Mayor is promising.

Jenny Jones, Green Party member of the London Assembly, said: “An increase in commuter cyclists will be good for the environment and people’s health, but a dozen high profile routes won’t lead to a five fold increase in cycling that the Mayor wants.

“The Mayor has to sort out all the dangerous junctions along these routes and that requires real money and commitment.”

The two new routes will be operational by May 2010.