Thursday, 28 March 2024
InfrastructureNewsPolitics

London Mayor announces cycle to work incentive for businesses

Sadiq Khan has launched an incentive scheme to encourage London’s businesses to get their staff cycling.

Following the news that the A40 Cycle Superhighway (in its current proposed form) looks set to be scrapped, the new Mayor of London has said that businesses who sign up to the new Santander Cycles Business Accounts scheme before 1 July 2016 will receive a 10 per cent discount.

Following a successful pilot scheme, the initiative – which offers easy cycle-hire access – is now being targeted at businesses across the capital to encourage their employees to cycle to and from their offices or meetings. Two types of business account are on offer:

Pooled business accounts:

Businesses can purchase between 5 and 20 pooled keys for £90 each. Each one gives you unlimited bike access for a year, for all journeys of up to 30 minutes. For longer journeys extra ride charges will be charged to your business account.

Individual business accounts:

Whatever the size of your business, you can buy a cycle hire account for a staff member for £90, giving them one year’s bike access. Further details are found here.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I encourage all businesses in London to sign up to the Santander Cycles Business Accounts scheme and to take advantage of the new incentive.

“Getting more people cycling in London is going to be central to achieving a greener, more modern and more affordable transport network.  I’ve got an inbox full of cycling schemes to consider and I am determined to learn the lessons from previous projects as I increase TfL’s spend on cycling safety, triple the current superhighway provision, roll out new town-centre cycling improvement plans, and promote safer, cleaner lorries.”

The Mayor’s press release also detailed plans to scrutinise major plans for new cycle superhighways and the transformation of key junctions in the heart of the capital.

Khan said he is committed to learning from previous schemes and improving the consultation process as he creates schemes that benefit pedestrian safety and improve public space, as well as protecting and encouraging cyclists.

The first completed consultations that the Mayor will be considering are:

  • North South Superhighway Phase 2 – a 1.5 mile extension from Stonecutter Street to Kings Cross that would complete a continuous cycle route from Elephant and Castle to Kings Cross
  • East West Superhighway Phase 2 – a 4.5 mile extension from Paddington to Acton, via the Westway, that would create a continuous segregated cycle route from Barking to Acton, through the heart of central London (Though this is already expected to face the chop)
  • CS11 – From Swiss Cottage to West End (Portland Place) – a 2.5 mile route from Swiss Cottage to Portland Place, providing a continuous, safe route through Regents Park to the West End
  • Hammersmith gyratory better junction – creating a safer and more direct cycle route through Hammersmith town centre
  • Highbury Corner better junction – removing the one-way system to create a more pleasant and accessible area for all users, with improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

On the day of his election victory, CyclingIndustry.News analysed Khan’s promises to date, detailing expected commitments on active travel and pollution.