Sadiq Khan, Labour’s candidate for the London mayoral election on 5 May, revealed today he does not allow his two teenage daughters to cycle in the capital over fears for lack of safety.
Talking to the Evening Standard, Khan was asked how safe he believed cycling was in London. Mr Khan said that he regarded it as “quite safe” when the number of cyclists was compared with the number of injuries.
Eight cyclists were killed in vehicle collisions in London last year being the joint lowest number of fatalities in 30 years.
Promoting Cycling in London
Sadiq Khan: I don't let my daughters cycle in London https://t.co/WQ6bfS9Odx pic.twitter.com/vJxSmzPTgo
— Evening Standard (@standardnews) February 9, 2016
Mr Khan said: “What is clear to me is that we need to make it easier and safer for people to cycle around London. I want to accelerate the progress we have made over the last few years. That means rolling out cycle superhighways but learning the lessons from the previous generation.”
Along with Liberal Democrat candidate Caroline Pidgeon, Khan met Chris Boardman, British Cycling policy advisor and former Olympic and world champion, who plans to meet all mayoral candidates to speak with them about their plans to promote cycling in London.
Really good to catch up with @Chris_Boardman @BritishCycling about making London a cycling city pic.twitter.com/Dntj7eu7Fh
— Caroline Pidgeon (@CarolinePidgeon) February 8, 2016
Controversy over cycle superhighways
But exiting London Mayor, Boris Johnson, faced a storm of protest from motorists and taxi divers over plans to create new cycle lanes on key routes in London this week.
In LBC’s Nick Ferrari morning show, Tory candidate, Zac Goldsmith admitted that he is prepared to “rip up the cycle superhighways”.
Zac Goldsmith: 'I'll rip up London's cycle superhighways if they don't work' | https://t.co/qh888FGVcS pic.twitter.com/fTOyUsaxjb
— Cycling Weekly (@cyclingweekly) February 9, 2016
Goldsmith said that the cycleways will be judged on “impact on emergency services, the basis of traffic flow, on the basis of how many cyclists use them…”.
Transport for London (TfL) released plans today to improve road safety for Gallows Corner near Romford. Labour MP, Neil Coyle, secured and urgent safety review at Elephant and Castle after it was reported a woman, 80, was hit by lorry and killed.
Last week, Transport for London (TfL) predicted there will soon be more cycle journeys in London than car journeys and are seeking views from the public.