Transport for LondonMayor boosts cycling with record investment
The Mayor has made cycling a top transport priority
'The Mayor has made cycling a top transport priority,' says Peter Hendy, commissioner of TfL.
The news should be welcomed by cyclists who are currently enjoying the annual Bike Week festival (14-22 June).
The number of people cycling in the Capital has increased by 91 per cent since TfL was created in the year 2000.
It's now estimated that more than 500,000 bike journeys are made across London every day.
'I'm delighted that a growing number of people - like me - are choosing to cycle around London', says Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.
'But the overall number is still too low, which suggests that many Londoners need further encouragement to take it up.
'I am exploring a range of options to make cycling safer, more practical and more attractive.
Two million pounds is to be invested in new secure parking facilities, alongside the forthcoming bicycle hire scheme and other ambitious initiatives in the near future, I'm hoping to inspire a whole new generation of cyclists.'
Bike Week highlights
This Friday, Holborn hosts a cycle fair with hints, tips and freebies.
Meanwhile, south of the river in Tooting, Wandsworth Council's cycle corner offers lots of child-friendly activities and free 'Dr Bike' safety checks.
Events will also be taking place in Hounslow and Balham on Saturday, including an adults training scheme and an 'electricpedals' stand where you can boil yourself a hot cup of tea or power an electric guitar as you pedal.
Sunday sees Putney, Waltham Forest, Enfield and Chiswick staging four different educational yet entertaining days.
There is the opportunity to find out about registering your bike on the Metropolitan Police's Immobilise database, the chance to try a few novelty bikes, or to race against your friends.
- Details can be found at tfl.gov.uk/bikeweek
