Transport for London (TfL) has outlined ambitious plans to significantly enhance the capital’s infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, subject to confirmed funding. The scheme envisions constructing up to 95 kilometres of new cycle routes across London alongside the introduction of up to 222 new School Streets schemes—roads around schools that are pedestrianised during peak drop-off and pick-up times—and 265 new pedestrian crossings. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve safety, reduce traffic dominance, and encourage healthier, greener travel options for Londoners.

These plans are part of a broader £87.6 million investment recently announced by TfL, aimed at ramping up cycleways, pedestrian crossings, and School Streets within all 32 London boroughs and the City of London over the next three years. The funding commitment reflects a strong partnership with local authorities to make London’s streets safer and more accessible, particularly for children and young people walking and cycling to school. The investment also aligns with the Mayor’s Vision Zero strategy, which seeks to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s transport network by 2041.

The funding, an increase from previous years, will not only support the development of new cycle routes but also facilitate borough-wide 20mph speed limits in numerous locations to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. However, it is notable that 14 boroughs, including Bexley, Brent, and the City of London, among others, have not yet received allocations for safer street measures in this round of funding. This uneven distribution highlights ongoing challenges in achieving uniform safety improvements across all boroughs.

TfL’s ongoing commitments exemplify earlier efforts where £50 million was allocated to various projects aimed at creating healthier streets through enhanced travel connections, traffic reduction, and the establishment of low-traffic neighbourhoods. Specific borough initiatives, such as Southwark Council's recent Walking Plan, are in line with this citywide vision, prioritising accessibility for all pedestrians, including those with mobility impairments and caregivers with children. Southwark alone has installed 165 new pedestrian crossings in the past six years, with further expansions planned.

This funding also supports the broader expansion of London’s cycle network, with a target of 70 per cent of Londoners living within 400 metres of a cycle route by 2041. In the current phase, London boroughs are expected to deliver 30 kilometres of new routes, including key Cycleways in Redbridge, Lewisham, Hillingdon, and Enfield areas. Additionally, over 2,000 secure residential cycle parking spaces will be added, and £2.7 million in funding will provide free cycle training to thousands of children and adults, further encouraging safe and active travel throughout the city.

Together, these initiatives underscore TfL’s multi-faceted strategy to promote sustainable, safe, and healthy travel within London, balancing infrastructure development with road safety measures and community engagement to foster a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly urban environment.

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Source: Noah Wire Services