Westminster has increased cycle parking but more needs to be done

• WITH the expected return to work all over London and with the government encouraging more cycling, do we need the increase of motor traffic in the crowded West End?

With the city council approving the opening of the road at the west side of Grosvenor Square they appear to have relapsed to their old ways.

I thought Westminster had gone through a sea change in its thinking with a move toward the safer and improved access for pedestrians and cycle users.

All over London local bike shops are being swamped by owners seeking their long-forgotten bikes from the shed, basement or the spare room to be made roadworthy.

Many will need a refresher course of cycle training which can be obtained from their council or interdependent trainers.

Many councils including Westminster have a “try before you bike” scheme, where you can secure the use of a bicycle before committing yourself.

Westminster has increased cycle parking but more needs to be done.

If you need a secure place to leave your bike, I suggest you contact the council to ask for a bike hangar in the street near your home and a sheffield stand to be installed for your workplace.

Come on Westminster City Council, do not go back to your old ways. Keep Grosvenor Square a place to wander and not a racetrack.

PHILIP BENSTEAD
Independent Cycle Campaigner & Bikeability Instructor