Cycling Development

Progressive cities around the world have dedicated Cycle Programmes which work actively to make cycling safer and to increase the number of cyclists on the road. Forty years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else, but now 37% of commuters crossing the city boundary ride cycles each day. Southwark isn't Copenhagen but the design of Copenhagen doesn't lend itself to being cycle friendly and if they can do it Southwark can do it too.

Adequately fund the Cycle Programmes
A Cycle Programme is pointless if it's underfunded. It must have sufficient staff and resources to execute its mission.; therefore there should be a dedicated Cycle Programme Team.

Road Signs
The council should involve the Cycle Programme Team when any road design, redesign, or construction project is approved. This way any potential problems can be addressed including any cost issues.

Vehicle Parking
Ban parking in cycle lanes. Most Red Routes are not 24 hours 7 days a week, and therefore vehicles, normally cars, park in current bus and cycle lanes which adds to potential dangers for cyclists.

Cycle Parking Zones
Parking Zones and Cycle Racks should be Installed throughout the borough, particularly in business areas. More London is a prime example of where the council should have significant parking for bikes. Having somewhere secure to park a bike makes cycling more attractive.

Parking Zones should be mandatory within all new domestic and commercial developments. The council should also speak with large commercial property owners where there are existing large commercial properties. Many large employers already provide lockers, and showers to employees who want to bike to work, and this should be encouraged.

Cycle Boulevards
Create "Cycle Boulevards". These are streets with barriers that allow cyclists to pass through but not cars. When the street is no longer a thoroughfare for cars, it becomes a more attractive and safer place for cyclists.

Ciclovias
A ciclovia is the shutting down of certain streets to motor vehicles at certain times. For example, Southwark could close several streets to become car-free every Sunday. Experimenting with this can certainly prove valuable, even if for only once a month, or as a one-time event to gauge the response.