JUST RIDE the BIKE

A group of built environment professionals from across the industry have sent an open letter to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, following his announcement that commuters will experience an 85% reduction in capacity on the transport network. The group outlines a radical proposal to enable larger numbers of people in London to get safely back to work, school and leisure travel. 

​

At the heart of the scheme is a desire to encourage a life less reliant on motorised vehicles, supporting the Mayor of London’s ambitions for a ‘Zero Carbon London’ by 2030. 

Known as ‘Bike Lines London’, the plan calls for the creation of a network of dedicated cycle lanes connecting local neighborhoods to the city centre. Its routes are arranged along familiar tube lines (see attached illustration). The measures turn roads into safe and expansive cycling and public transport only routes. In the plans, private cars would be banned, and only emergency and delivery vehicles allowed. 

​

Chris Dyson, Architect and Member of BikeLines London explained, 

“Over the past 10 weeks in lockdown, we’ve seen a huge uptake in the number of local journeys being made by bike and on foot as more people choose to shop and exercise locally. With lockdown easing, there’s now a real opportunity to harness this trend. Our plan will support those willing to change their habits to bring about positive outcomes for the city. 

​

“A scheme like this could see a quicker economic recovery, a reduction in pollution and improvements to our physical and mental wellbeing. The scheme will, of course, have its detractors, but fundamental to post-lockdown recovery is the health, happiness and prosperity of all of our citizens.

​

“Our group came together not only because we are all keen cyclists but because we care about our environment. Those who design and build our city have an important role in helping to shape a healthier, more sustainable future for it. Our day to day jobs see us shape our towns and cities and we understand all the constraints, challenges and issues facing stakeholders. The plan we have suggested to Sadiq Khan in our letter is brave, but it is vital to help London to recover from the pandemic and make the city a better place for all those who visit, live and work here.”

​

The group comprises architects, engineers, contractors and others experienced in designing and building the cities and towns we live in. All are members of Club Peloton, a charity and community of cyclists. The group decided to put their passion and experience to good use during lockdown and develop a plan to allow the city to return to work.