News from the big smoke, #204

… which is less smoky than it was.

This week, there’s some news from London. With England’s metro mayoral regions holding devolved powers over things like transport, these are often the places making some of the greatest progress on transport. They also face some of the biggest challenges, not least air pollution and rising costs of living. The publication of London’s Vision Zero strategy - the target to eliminate death and serious injury on its roads by 2041 - has left a lot to unpack.

BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY

A BOLD PLAN TO CUT TRAFFIC HARM. That’s the conclusion of the London Cycling Campaign, reporting on London’s Vision Zero action plan. It says the city is making good progress on cutting traffic deaths and serious injuries, with plans to go even further. Enforcing 20mph speed limits, more school streets and a pledge to double the city’s cycle network by 2035 are there, along with targeting work-related road risk, including from delivery riders. There’s a tantalising commitment to side road zebras on main roads, and for the police to make it easier to submit dash or headcam footage. The LCC’s initial summary is worth a read.

LONDON’S SUV TAX. This Vision Zero proposal - to charge SUV owners extra for driving in London - has made headlines. The rationale makes sense: larger, heavier vehicles with higher bonnets are more lethal in collisions - particularly for children - and cause more wear on the roads. It’s a shocking fact that a child under nine is three times more likely to be killed if hit by an SUV driver than someone driving a regular car. Larger vehicles also spill over parking spaces and can block narrow streets. Cardiff passed an SUV tax for parking larger vehicles, last year.

SPACE FOR CHILDREN. A lack of play space is making London unattractive for families, according to an investigation by the London Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee. The number of children in London is declining, as is its birth rate, and the investigation found the cost of housing, and London’s built environment are driving the trend. Among key factors at play were air and noise pollution levels, a lack of access to green space and cycling safety perceptions. Play space minimums are not always delivered in new developments, according to Committee chair, Hina Bokhari.

TACKLING CARS CUTS AIR POLLUTION. Cities that have introduced cycle lanes, encouraged electric vehicles and brought restrictions on polluting vehicles have slashed air pollution by more than 20%, research has found. Beijing and Warsaw topped the table of 19 cities, which includes London and San Francisco, that have reduced pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate pollution by up to 45% since 2010. These cities’ efforts show that substantial improvements can be made within a decade and a half, given the right policies.

GREEN SHOOTS FOR THE CYCLE INDUSTRY? The cycle industry may be turning a corner, after a turbulent five years, a Bicycle Association report finds. Market and sales data suggests an increase of 5% year on year - the first growth since 2020. Sales volumes are up, although ebike increases of 2% are below mechanical bikes (6%). A revival in mainstream, recreational and family cycling are to thank, it says. I’d add, supporting safer streets is crucial - without them cycling won’t become mainstream in the UK.

OTHER HEADLINES

BIKE PROJECT HITS MAJOR MILESTONE. The Bike Project, which refurbishes and sells bikes - as well as donating them to refugees - has sold over 7,000 bikes since it launched in 2013. The project uses its bikes to help refugees and people seeking asylum in Birmingham and London who are living on as little as £9.95 a week. These bikes help people who have fled war and persecution access food banks, legal advice, and other vital services. The Bike Project currently has a spring sale on.

INTERESTING GRAPH OF THE WEEK:

Just a joyful video of a man and his son cycling - what fun!

ACTIVE TRAVEL WORD OF THE WEEK: SUV Tax: A charge relating to the size and/or weight of a vehicle. This can be implemented via emission zones or through parking charges.

Until next time,

Adam Tranter

CEO, Fusion & Founder, #BikeIsBest

This newsletter is brought to you by Fusion, the agency for movers, specialising in communications and public affairs for active travel and mobility.