Council devises new Cycling Strategy

A cycling strategy aimed at making Tower Hamlets one of the easiest and safest places to cycle in London has been unveiled by the council. The new Cycling Strategy sets out the Council’s plans and aspirations to make cycling more commonplace in the borough between now and 2025. It replaces the council’s previous cycle strategy, Cycling Connections, published in 2009 to cover a 10-year period.

Although it was a forward thinking plan for its time, the old strategy has been refreshed to take account of the major changes to cycling led by Transport for London (TfL). Initiatives that have taken place since the last strategy was produced include extending the Cycle Hire Scheme throughout Tower Hamlets and two new Cycle Superhighways. The six-year period has seen massive growth in levels of cycling in the borough and significant increases in investment from City Hall for cycling projects across the capital.

By encouraging everyone to take up cycling, it is hoped that the population can become healthier, and will benefit from a less polluted road network. One of the biggest barriers to cycling is the fear of other road vehicles, so the council is working hard to increase safety with more high quality cycle facilities and extending cycle training provision.

The Strategy sets out 30 pledges to be delivered, which together will contribute to reaching four targets:
•to double the volume of cyclists in the borough by 2025;
•to increase the proportion of residents cycling to work to 12% by 2025;
•to reduce the risk of cycle accidents by 40% by 2025;
•to increase number of children cycling to school by 25% by 2025.

The council would like to hear your opinions on the strategy: please complete this questionnaire for a chance to win a Brompton Bike or £50 John Lewis shopping vouchers: http://svy.mk/1LOlUuF. Alternatively you can email your comments to: cycling@towerhamlets.gov.uk

You can view the Council’s new Cycling Strategy here: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/transport_and_streets/cycling/cycling_strategy.aspx

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