TfL cycle schemes across South London to be made permanent

Transport for London (TfL) will be making permanent three cycling schemes introduced during the pandemic, following public consultations.     

During Covid, TfL worked with councils to make it easier for people to walk and cycle safely across the capital.

Many of these initiatives to create new sections of cycle and bus lanes have been kept in place on an experimental basis, to allow for data to be gathered and to allow people to have their say. 

• The schemes being retained are:     
  • In Tooley Street, Southwark, where a new protected cycle lane was installed to make it easier for people to travel between existing cycle routes in the area, including on London Bridge and towards Greenwich along Cycleway 4     
  • In Cycleway 8 between Chelsea Bridge and Wandsworth Town Centre. New sections of protected cycle lane and a new section of bus lane were installed to make it easier for people to travel between South-west and central London. A banned turned was also introduced from York Road into York Place   
  • In Cycleway 7 between Elephant & Castle and Oval, where new 24-hour bus lanes were introduced  

Data from the schemes has shown that in Tooley Street, and along CS8, the number of people cycling increased by more than 25 per cent.  

The changes have also not delayed traffic. In Tooley Street, vehicle numbers have fallen by a third, bus journey times westbound are quicker and more reliable, with no significant impact on journey times eastbound.  

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling over the past two years.

“I’m delighted that these cycle schemes have been made permanent, enabling even more Londoners to choose greener, cleaner and healthier modes of transport.”

Pictured top: TFL’s image of healthier living in the streets of Southwark, with greater priority given to cyclists and pedestrians (Picture: TFL)