Boom time for bikes – London Mayor’s new Streetspace plan announced

Transforming London’s Streets for Post-Lockdown Commute

Yesterday Sadiq Khan unveiled his ‘London Streetspace’ programme designed to transform London’s streets to accommodate a possible ten-fold increase in cycling and a five-fold increase in walking when lockdown restrictions are eased.

Osbornes Law Embrace Change for Healthier Commutes

Stuart Kightley, Managing Partner and Head of cycling accident claims commented “The plan is to be welcomed and hopefully it will become permanent, with more people taking up cycling to work in London, getting healthier, helping to reduce emissions and the number of accidents involving cyclists.

Many of us at Osbornes Law already travel to work by bike and hopefully with this initiative we can persuade more of our colleagues to take this opportunity to switch to cycling as their means of commute.

Balancing the Shift Away from Public Transport

A couple of concerns though. Firstly, there will be a reluctance to return to public transport, for obvious reasons. This reluctance may mean people turn to the easier option of driving to work which will actually worsen emissions and clog up roads making them more dangerous to cyclists. Measures to disincentivise driving must be introduced at the same time.

The Importance of Proper Infrastructure

Secondly, any infrastructure changes need to be implemented properly – a few plastic bollards on a few roads won’t make much headway and may be confusing and dangerous to cyclists.

Overall, this is a great opportunity for a seismic shift in our transport habits, to make cycling the default means of transport in London.”

Need Legal Advice? Contact Osbornes Law

If you would like to speak to a cycling accident solicitor team at Osbornes Law in London, call 0207 485 8811 or complete an online enquiry form.