Editorial: Boris Johnson has a welcome plan to improve the lot of the cyclist
"Crossrail for bikes" will be pricey, but it's a move in the right direction
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cycling in London is bowling along at a cracking pace. Indeed, bike usage in the capital has already more than doubled since 2000 and only keeps rising. Now, the Mayor is seeking to give cyclists an extra push. Boris Johnson’s £900m plan is for a “Crossrail for bikes”, fully segregating bikes from motor traffic, and upgrading other cycle routes.
The scheme is certainly a major financial undertaking, and non-cyclists might question it as a spending priority. But bicycles have a central part to play in modern urban living. And the capital’s roads remain too dangerous, the mix of cyclists and motorised traffic often uneasy, and too often fatal.
Mr Johnson’s initiative is, therefore, to be applauded. Even more so if it proves a model for elsewhere in the country. London may never be an Amsterdam. But we are pedalling hard in the right direction.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments