The New Cycle Highways in London

Jun 29th 2011

The construction of the new cycle highway in London (the Barclays Cycle Super Highway route) has caused quite a stir. This latest stage of this Transport for London project, which planners hope to have completed by July 19th, will result in two more cycle superhighways: one running from Wandsworth to Westminster, the other running from Bow to Aldgate.

The Aldgate end starts at St Botolph Street, near London virtual offices at 148 Leadenhall Street, ending at Bow Roundabout. The remaining eight should be completed by the summer of 2015, if all goes according to plan. Extra funding has also been provided to the councils of Chelsea, City, Kensington, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster to provide parking for bikes, as well as some training and safety checks. If you live in any of these boroughs, ask your local council about the availability of these services.

These routes provide a great way to get into the centre of London quickly, for work or leisure, without congestion and with more flexibility than other forms of transport.

Cycle Superhighway – Photo by Gareth Williams on Flickr

Why Cycle?

The new cycle highway in London presents people with the perfect opportunity to get on their bikes and start pedalling around the city. There are many good reasons for improving London’s cycle routes. Cycling provides health benefits, helping to improve fitness and boost a person’s mood by increasing energy levels and giving that well-known endorphin kick.

There are also more general benefits, including the hope of reducing congestion in the city. Less congestion means less lost time spent in traffic jams, and less stress as people get frustrated at being late. The new scheme also aims to reduce the very different kind of pressures and dangers which cyclists themselves face. The recent decision to place Trixi mirrors along the route, for example, helps to reduce the risk of cyclists being killed or injured by large vehicles such as lorries, when pulling away from junctions. There are good environmental arguments for the new routes too. Encouraging new cyclists and assisting existing cyclists to use this mode of transport more often is helping to get more cars off the road, reducing pollution.

This leads onto the final point, which is the individual financial benefits. It’s hardly a surprise that bikes cost less to run and maintain than cars. Less wasted fuel from lower congestion also means that drivers make savings, so the scheme benefits everyone. Some of these benefits are immediate, others are broader and depend on the longer term success of this project.

Some cycling groups have questioned whether these new cycle highways are enough. They suggest a 20mph speed limit along the roads adjacent to the routes too, to both encourage new cyclists and provide safer conditions for those who currently use the routes. Others would like barriers between the road and the cycle highways to ensure that cars are unable to use them, as this is not always enforced effectively.

Responsible Cycling – UK Bike Laws

But it’s not only cars who have responsibilities on the road. It’s important to be aware of cycling laws in the UK when you’re out an about on the cycle highway in London, especially if you’re new to it – they help to keep you and other road users safe. Cycling on a pavement is illegal, although children are generally allowed to do this, as cycling on the road is considered too dangerous. The maximum fine for this is £500, although this is rarely given. More commonly, if you are caught you will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice, which will amount to no more than £30. Pay this and you won’t be prosecuted – meaning no criminal record. Normally you will have 28 days to pay this fine or to contest it, if you feel that it was given unfairly. If there’s no other option than going on the pavement, you’re probably better off walking with your bike for a little while.

Are you planning on using any of the new cycle highways? What’s your opinion on cycling in London at the moment? Let us know below.

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