People cycle on Oxford Street in London on May 2, 2020, as life in Britain continues during the … [+]
Westminster Council said it is to protect cyclists and pedestrians to “fire up London’s economic engine.” This is a clear recognition that many politicians now understand the economic potential of active modes of transport.
Research from Transport for London in 2018 found that people walking, cycling and using public transport spend more than motorists in local shops. Conducted by Matthew Carmona from University College London’s Bartlett School of Planning, the research revealed that those not in cars spend 40% more each month in neighborhood shops than motorists.
Westminster Council says the measures it is to introduce are “ambitious” but “temporary.”
“Work will start this weekend on the installation of low cost, temporary measures across all areas of the City,” said a council statement issued May 28.
“The move will see new widened [sidewalks], increased pedestrian areas and cycle lanes in some of the most iconic locations in the world,” continued the statement.
A man wears a protective mask as he walks along Oxford Street on March 19, 2020 in London, England. … [+]
However, to the disappointment of campaigners, the motor-choked Oxford Street will not benefit from the new measures. Campaigners have been calling for the retail thoroughfare’s pedestrianization for many years. Similarly, Regent Street will only get the lightest of upgrades.
Nevertheless, the announcement from Westminster Council is significant because the authority has long been reluctant to antagonize the loud and influential black cab lobby and has often blocked proactive measures to favor cyclists or pedestrians.
Westminster Council said it would ban motorists from getting close to schools via the introduction of time-limited “school streets.” More cycle parking will be installed across the borough, and there will be “better links to the existing cycle networks,” said the council’s statement.
The council said the introduction of the scheme came after it had received over 500 requests for such measures from residents and businesses.
Leader of Westminster City Council Rachael Robathan said the works were “essential in order to kickstart the economy.”
How important is cycling to the economic health of London? Cycle journalist Peter Stuart uploaded a short video to Twitter on May 25 showing scores of cyclists of all shapes, sizes and ages passing the Houses of Parliament. Describing the clip, London’s Metro newspaper said “cyclists rule the roads by Westminster.”
