Cyclists will quiz the four main candidates running for Mayor of London on Monday April 30th at a hustings event staged by transport charity Sustrans and The Times newspaper.
Candidates Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone, Jenny Jones and Brian Paddick will be grilled on how they intend to make London a cycling city as part of The Times’s ‘Cities fit for cycling’ campaign. It is set to be the only debate which all four candidates will attend focussing solely on cycling ahead of the election on May 3rd.
British Cycling’s Director of Legal and Policy Affairs, Martin Gibbs, said:
“There has been good progress in London in the last few years but we still fall short in contrast to great cycling cities like Copenhagen. To match their levels of cycle use we need a Mayor who will put cycling right at the heart of their transport policy. Making cycling an easy, available, safe and normal everyday choice for people will transform this city.”
Sustrans supporters and Times readers will be able to apply online for tickets for the free event which will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm in Westminster.
Carl Pittam, Sustrans’ England Director, said:
“In cities like Copenhagen cycling is the norm for everyone, from commuters to mums doing the school run. Cycling in our capital is more popular than ever but more than half of us still find our roads too scary to cycle on. Roads that are safe for cycling are also safer for pedestrians, children and drivers – and are more pleasant for all Londoners to enjoy. Creating safe streets for cycling and walking must be top of our Mayor’s to-do list.”
James Harding, Editor of The Times, said:
“Cities must build an infrastructure fit for cyclists. Britain’s cities and streets must change. Cycling should be not just a healthy and quick way to get around but also a pleasure. At the moment, those who ride have too much to fear.”
