London could be seeing a significant infrastructural change in response to COVID-19. Cycling in London has increased by a large degree and social distancing rules are causing serious congestion on the pavements. Recent plans have been released indicated proposed changes to the capital’s streets post-lockdown which include the widening of pavements, more walking and cycling routes along major routes would be fast-tracked, including temporary cycles lanes to fulfil the current increase in usage.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has expressed that “a bigger and more expansive tube service” that can observe social distancing may be needed to help us overcome the outbreak. However, the London mayor, Sadiq Khan has commented that some of the millions of journeys taken in London daily must be made by other methods as London’s public transport.
The proposed ‘rapid construction’ of a cycling infrastructure, using temporary materials and methods, aims at attempting to reduce crowding on public transport. A potential ‘complete transformation’ of local town centres with widened footways on high streets, for social distancing and increased cycling routes may be on the horizon.
TfL (Transport for London) has said its proposed plans are based on the model that cycling distance is likely to increase tenfold, alongside walking which is predicated to increase by five times compared to pre-outbreak levels.
Changes have already been implemented, for example in Stoke Newington High Street and Camden High Street, pavements have already been doubled in size as well as six other locations having theirs widened - one each in Lambeth, Hammersmith, Fulham, Croydon and two in Southwark.
Khan comments “I urge the government and boroughs to work with us to enable Londoners to switch to cleaner, more sustainable forms of transport and reduce the pressure on other parts of our transport network once the lockdown is eased.”
Demand for bike sales has increased across the UK enormously as consumers look to change their transport habits. Cycling schemes saw a 200% increase in orders for those working in emergency services. Cycle schemes allow for employees to claim a tax credit on the bikes they purchase at work. At Urban Electro, we use the GCI cycle to work scheme. You can see how much you can save HERE
The cycling industry is experiencing a sudden boom because of this demand. Shop owners are commenting that customers are saying “i’m getting back on a bike after 15-20 years… I’m going to use it to avoid public transport”.
A recent survey for SYSTRA, a consultancy firm, indicated that 61% of Britons are nervous of taking public transport, even once the lockdown is lifted. Cycling UK has undertaken research which looked at English cities with a good potential for cycling and has located almost 99 miles of streets and roads in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, Cambridge and Newcastle which could see major benefit from temporary cycling and walking infrastructure.
Germany have incorporated temporary measures by marking out new cycles lanes with removable tape and mobile signs. Paris is creating 650km of cycle pathways, including temporary ‘corona cycleways’. The Scottishment government has recently announced £10m in funding for councils to provide temporary space.
If this is the future of transport then it makes it clear that we need to adapt in a way that makes transport as easily as possible for us. Ordinary bikes are obviously completely suitable and will guarantee that you will get lots on exercise on your journey. However, making the switch to an electric bike might be a better option. With the added benefit of electric assistance you can reach and sustain higher speeds much more easily and well as increase the distance of your commute.