Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

London Mayor Unveils Ambitious, $1.3 Billion Bike Plan

11:12 AM EST on March 8, 2013

Coming soon to London. Image: ##http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/mayors-vision-cycling##Mayor of London##

In some ways, London and New York have each leapfrogged the other when it comes to bike policy in the past few years. London's bike-share program launched back in 2010, but its bike lanes remain largely sub-standard, with little in the way of physical protection. Here in New York, the bike lanes are gradually forming a safe, useful network, while bike-share is a few years behind London.

If New York's next mayor doesn't keep up the pace on bike infrastructure, though, London may soon take the lead on both counts. Yesterday, Mayor Boris Johnson announced an aggressive plan for a comprehensive bike network, including protected bike lanes.

"Cycling will be treated not as niche, marginal, or an afterthought, but as what it is: an integral part of the transport network," Johnson said. "I want cycling to be normal, a part of everyday life."

The plan includes big changes, including new types of bike lanes for the capital:

    • The flagship initiative, a 15-mile separated crosstown route connecting western and eastern suburbs via central London and business districts including the West End and Canary Wharf.
    • A network of "quietways," akin to bike boulevards, that will connect suburban and central London neighborhoods.
    • Adding physical separation to the existing "cycle superhighways," which sometimes offer little more than a stripe of paint on some of London's busiest roads.

The plan also has a broad policy framework to transform biking in London:

    • A promise to invest £913 million -- that's more than $1.3 billion -- in cycling over the next decade.
    • A competitive funding program, inviting London's 32 boroughs to apply for funds to transform their streets.
    • Appointment of a new Cycling Commissioner to oversee the program within Transport for London, the city's transportation agency.

Johnson has always identified as a cyclist, but until very recently he has mostly disappointed bicycling advocates, especially with his "cycle superhighway" implementation. Over the past few years, a robust advocacy effort has led the mayor to change direction, starting with minor changes to existing projects and culminating in this week's big announcement.

The local press has also played a major role. In the run-up to last year's election, The Times of London launched a campaign for street safety after one of its reporters was seriously injured in a crash, and mayoral candidates vied to be the most bike-friendly.

New York's crop of candidates -- and our daily papers -- certainly have some catching up to do.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Can We Just Keep Cars Off the Queensbridge Baby Greenway?

Why do we allow car drivers to park on greenways, in parks and on tree beds?

March 29, 2024

Maximum Rage: Delivery Workers Protest Low Wages, App ‘Lockouts’

Couriers with bikes and signs urge the city to step in as Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash withhold work, they say.

March 28, 2024

The Toll of History: MTA Board Approves $15 Congestion Pricing Fee

New York City's congestion pricing tolls are one historic step closer to reality after Wednesday's 11-1 MTA board vote. Next step: all those pesky lawsuits.

March 28, 2024

Company That Fought McGuinness Safety Project Wants to Seize Bklyn Street for Private Backlot

Broadway Stages to Greenpoint residents: "Street safety for me, not for thee."

March 28, 2024
See all posts