TfL's commitment to improving cycling infrastructure in London has been called into question after a report revealed it failed to install any new cycle lanes on its own roads throughout 2023. The organisation, responsible for the capital's 'red routes', had previously promised to make London a more cycle-friendly city by investing in dedicated bike lanes and promoting sustainable transport.
The lack of progress on these major arterial roads, which carry around a third of London's traffic despite only making up 5% of its road space, has sparked concerns about cyclist safety. With high volumes of fast-moving vehicles posing significant risks to cyclists, the absence of new dedicated infrastructure is seen as a missed opportunity to enhance safety and encourage more people to cycle.
Active travel campaigners and cycling advocacy groups have expressed their disappointment at the findings, with one critic describing the situation as "far too much business as usual". They argue that TfL's failure to implement new cycle lanes on its red routes indicates a stagnation in efforts to create a safer environment for cyclists. This lack of progress could have far-reaching implications for London's air quality, traffic congestion, and climate change targets.
The report highlights a perceived disconnect between TfL's public commitments to sustainable transport and its practical delivery. By failing to expand its cycle lane network, the organisation risks undermining its own environmental and public health objectives, potentially deterring potential cyclists who might otherwise choose to commute or travel by bike if safer options were available.
TfL has previously outlined ambitious plans to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally conscious mode of transport. However, the 2023 figures suggest that these ambitions are not translating into tangible progress on its own network, leaving many to question the organisation's commitment to improving active travel infrastructure in London.