Actions must follow TfL/TRL review of cycle safety in London

Transport for London must take urgent action in the wake of a major review of its procedures on road schemes and cycling provision, says the London Cycling Campaign.

The independent review by the Transport Research Laboratory for TfL lists 35 recommendations for improvements in TfL standards and procedures and provision for cycling. It was commissioned following the death of a cyclist on Blackfriars Bridge last year.
LCC’s director, Simon Brammer, said “We welcome TfL’s initiative in commissioning this report and its recognition of the problems. The growing number of people who cycle in London deserve better. This report identifies key changes that TfL needs to make, and we look forward to the promised release of its action plan in February and the delivery of the required improvements after that.”

The key recommendations in the report highlight necessary changes to TfL’s standards and procedures and the way it consults on road schemes. In its response to the report, TfL has promised that it will also address: the lack of consideration for cycle users in road schemes; gaps in training for officers; inconsistent use of safety audits; sub-standard bike facilities and the low status of cycle users in highway priorities. It has additionally said that it will improve conditions for people who cycle on London bridges starting with Blackfriars, where a cyclist was killed last year.

Tom Bogdanowicz, LCC Campaigns Manager said “This report highlights the need to really change the way that things have been done in the past. TfL needs to take this opportunity to make sure that cycle users are no longer ignored in road schemes (1); or placed bottom of the road user hierarchy (2);. We hope TfL will live up to its commitments in addressing all the issues raised in the TRL report such as the need for: consultation with cycle users before roads are built or changed ; a clear programme of safety audits; and a reduction of the dangers on London’s bridges for all users.”

Ian Callaghan, LCC Campaigns chair said : “The Mayor wants to see increased cycle use because it helps all Londoners by reducing congestion, pollution and improving people’s health – providing for cyclists cannot just be an afterthought and that’s why the actions that result from this report are critical.”

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/streets/cycling/cycling-reportlibrary.shtml