Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it will be making three cycling and bus schemes introduced during the pandemic permanent, following public consultations.
During the pandemic, TfL worked with councils to try and boost walking and cycling’s popularity across London. Many of these initiatives have since been kept in place on an experimental basis, to allow for data collection and to offer opportunities for public feedback on the schemes.
The schemes saw the creation of new sections of cycle lanes and bus lanes in central and inner London to separate cyclists from motor traffic to increase road safety. The schemes that are being retained are the protected cycle lane on Tooley Street in Southwark, new sections of protected cycle lanes and bus lanes between Chelsea Bridge and Wandsworth Town Centre and new 24-hour bus lanes between Elephant and Castle and Oval.
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According to TfL, data collected from the schemes has shown an increase in the number of people cycling, with Tooley Street seeing a growth by 25% and a drop in the number of vehicles by a third. The initiatives have reportedly not negatively impacted traffic, with the road network performing similarly to before the schemes.
Will Norman, walking and cycling commissioner for London, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling over the past two years as more and more Londoners enjoy using sustainable ways to get around the capital.
“To maintain this success, we are continuing to make our roads safer as we build a better London for everyone.
“I’m delighted that these cycle schemes have been made permanent, enabling even more Londoners to choose greener, cleaner and healthier modes of transport.”
TfL has said it will continue to monitor the schemes to ensure that the routes and the infrastructure remain appropriate for the local area.
