London is about to get a whole lot friendlier for bikers. Days after announcing that more of the population is cycling than ever, the city’s transportation department approved mayor Boris Johnsons’ “Crossrail for Bikes” initiative.
“We know that Londoners want these routes and that they want them to be delivered to the high standard I promised, as quickly as possible,” said Johnson.
The plan, which will cost around $247 million, will add four additional “bike superhighways” and update the four existing ones.
The superhighways will create specific lanes for cyclists. An update to the cities traffic signals will also be implemented to keep pace with the new bike highways.
The new corridors — one which will run east-west and another north-south — are intended to upgrade London’s infrastructure to compete with other European cycling cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
“This vision for large-scale, properly segregated cycle ways will make cycling a more attractive transport option, creating a more pleasant, healthy and sustainable London for everyone,” said Chris Boardman, British Cycling’s policy advisor.
The city isn’t wasting any time either. Work has already begun on one of the existing superhighways.
