At our meeting on Tuesday, 21 January, we hosted Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner. Will updated us on how cycling in London is booming, but still much more is needed to fulfill its potential.
He told us that cycling now makes up a quarter of bus passengers and a third of tube users. This shift is thanks to the growing cycle network, which is attracting a wider range of riders, from younger people to older adults and more women.
But he also acknowledged that safety is still a big concern for many. While things are improving at some redesigned junctions, there are only 45 of them so there’s still a long way to go. He praised the success of School Streets in making things safer for kids and improving air quality, and even mentioned that this programme has caught the attention of local authorities in the Netherlands!
There has been a big increase in cycle parking, but much more is needed. There are also more pedestrian crossings, and 20mph roads are making a difference. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially on some of London’s most dangerous roads. In 2023, 95 people were killed, and nearly 4,000 were seriously injured on London’s roads. These violent deaths affect families and communities deeply.
The discussion that followed covered a range of topics. People raised concerns about poorly parked bikes from hire companies and the fact that over-60s Freedom Pass holders can’t use the cycle hire scheme. Will agreed that stricter rules are needed on poorly parked hire bikes, but that local authorities do not have these powers at the moment.
We also talked about the need for better cycle lanes on main roads and roundabouts.
Beyond the main presentation, the meeting included updates on local cycling news and the expansion of the Ourbike cargo bike scheme in the borough.
Lambeth Cyclists 