Cycle Superhighways on track for completion by 2016

The construction of Cycle Superhighways across London to provide a safer, quicker and more direct journey around the capital is now well underway and on course for completion by 2016.

The first of the schemes was launched in 2010 and work continues apace across London as part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s Vision for Cycling, which envisages cycling as an integral part of the transport network in as safe an environment as possible.

The Vision for Cycling project will see the creation of a network of direct, high capacity joined-up cycle tracks, with many to run in parallel with key Underground, rail and bus routes.

Four Cycle Superhighways have already been launched: CS2 from Stratford to Aldgate, CS3 from Barking to Tower Gateway, CS7 from Merton to the City and CS8 from Wandsworth to Westminster, with a number of new routes scheduled to be opened by 2016.

Safety measures will be put in place at some of the busiest junctions so cyclists will feel they have a place on the road and enjoy a feeling of safety.

The first of such junctions opened in August on the upgraded Cycle Superhighway 2 at Whitechapel Road and Cambridge Heath Road, allowing cyclists and turning motor traffic to move in separate phases, with left-turning vehicles held back to allow cyclists to move without risk, and cyclists held when vehicles are turning left.

Speaking at the opening of the junction, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I made a firm commitment that we would upgrade Cycle Superhighway 2 to ensure that cyclists get the time and the space they need to cycle safely. That’s exactly what’s happening here in east London.

“The innovations we’re using at Cambridge Heath are a fantastic taster of the raft of improvements that are coming down the track, ensuring that people can cycle safely and more confidently in our city.”

Around 85% of cyclist accidents occur at junctions, mostly involving turning traffic.

There has been some criticism of the scheme, with some fearing its creation would actually cause more traffic congestion by funnelling vehicles into narrower, single lanes. The growing number of cyclists on roads in London, however, means the measures are being welcomed by a significant number of people and institutions.

According to a poll by Transport for London (TfL), 84% of Londoners backed the creation of the Cycle Superhighways. The scheme also received the backing of numerous companies with employees based within the capital such as RBS, Coca Cola, and Microsoft.

The Vision for Cycling is part of the Road Modernisation Plan that will see the government invest £4Bn to improve London’s roads.

Chancellor George Osborne has also announced a new independent National Infrastructure Commission to offer an unbiased analysis of the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs.

The government will commit a further £5bn of funding for national infrastructure projects to be paid for through spending cuts and the sale of property and assets no longer needed by the government.

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