Planners and politicians in many countries seek to increase the proportion of trips made by cycling. However, this is often challenging. In England, a national target to double cycling by 2025 is likely to be missed: between 2001 and 2011 the proportion of commutes made by cycling barely grew. One important contributory factor is continued low investment in cycling infrastructure, by comparison to European leaders.
Proposals to re-design the northern junction of Blackfriars Bridge have generated a striking campaign to ensure that cyclists are kept safe; galvanising cycle campaigners and everyday and ordinary people on bikes alike. Whilst the ‘Battle for Blackfriars’ rages on, it is becoming clear that the policies which seek to endanger cyclists are not just a London issue.
