Transport for London (TfL) has started work on a new cycle superhighway linking Wandsworth with Westminster. The route will start at Ram Street in Wandsworth Town SW18, then run along Armoury Way, Old York Road, York Road, Battersea Park Road, Macduff Road, Prince of Wales Drive, Queen’s Circus, Queenstown Road, Chelsea Bridge, Grosvenor Road and ending at Millbank.
  
A network of 12 superhighways is being created as part of the Boris Johnson’s efforts to encourage more people to take up cycling.  The aim is to cut traffic congestion on the capital’s roads, relieve overcrowding on public transport and reduce harmful vehicle emissions.  

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson says:
 
“The two pilot Superhighways routes are a-buzz with cyclists following the blue lanes to get to and from work each day. These two new routes are set to give thousands more Londoners a taste of commuting by bicycle on our Superhighways, which provide cyclists with faster, safer, direct, continuous routes into central London.”
 
Two pilot superhighways were launched earlier this year, including a route from Merton to Bank which passes through Tooting and Balham along the A24. Early results suggest an overall increase of 25 per cent in cycle journeys along the two routes.
 
Each superhighway is designed to offer cyclists a fast, safe and well-protected journey into central London from surrounding residential areas. Where possible, the lanes are set apart from the rest of the road with highly visible blue markings. Junctions along the way are modified to make it easier and safer for bikes to pass through.
 
Wandsworth council is working with the Mayor, TfL and other boroughs along the route to implement the scheme. All 12 superhighways are expected to be up and running in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
 
Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman Ravi Govindia says,
“The new route will give more local people the confidence to ride to work and will boost our efforts to establish a cycling culture in our borough.  Switching to pedal power can save you money, reduce emissions and improve your health.”
 
Over the summer Wandsworth Council launched a raft of measures to encourage cycling including free ‘Dr Bike’ safety checks, bicycle maintenance classes and free cycle training lessons.
 
For more information about cycling and cycle services in Wandsworth go to <http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cycling>

For more information about the cycle superhighway network go to <http://www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclesuperhighways>