Southwark’s Liberal Democrats have called for a ‘Cycling Culture Change’ at all levels of government following their successful summit on cycling last week.
The event was attended by over 30 people including the head of Southwark Cyclists and the father of Ellie Carey who died in a collision in Abbey Street last September.
Local Liberal Democrat politicians Simon Hughes MP, Caroline Pidgeon AM and numerous councillors attended the event and listened to the suggestions for tackling the problems faced by cyclists on Southwark’s roads.
The event looked at a wide range of issues including how to improve the cycle hire scheme, introducing Filtered Permeability Routes and how to make pedestrians and cyclists the priority in all that government and local government do.
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commented after addressing the event:
"For far too long the views of cyclists have been overlooked, especially by council officials and engineers working for Transport for London.
"The Southwark Cycling Summit highlighted how in so many simple ways we can make cycling safer and far more attractive to a much wider range of people.
"It is now time for real action to ensure our roads are much safer for cyclists."
Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Geoffrey Thornton said:
“The facts are clear: while Southwark has the second highest cycling potential of any borough in London, just 3% of journeys are currently made by bike. The Liberal Democrat’s Cycling Summit provided a wonderful opportunity to examine the barriers that prevent more people from cycling in our borough and to look at what the council could do to increase take-up.
“It's clear that local authorities can play a huge part in promoting cycling through investing in education, training and infrastructure. I look forward to working with all parties to promote this cheap, efficient, healthy and environmentally-friendly form of transport, and hope to present our ideas in the near future.”
Local MP, Simon Hughes, who wrapped up the event, added:
“The Cycling Summit came up with lots of very practical ideas for action by the local council, the Greater London Authority and government and parliament.
“I am working with my colleagues to come up with a package of proposals to support cyclists in our borough and to make cycling safer for everybody.”