Image: TfL
The East-West Cycle Superhighway has cost more than £62k for every additional cyclist attracted to the route, according to the radio station LBC.
The route, which currently runs from Lancaster Gate to Tower Hill, opened in 2016 at a cost of £47m.
It includes a ‘substantially segregated, two-way cycle track’ to separate cyclists from motor traffic – as well as new junctions and pedestrian crossings. Minor finishing works will continue on the route until the end of autumn 2018.
According to LBC, figures from TfL show that 4,744 cyclists now use the route each day on average – an increase of 754 riders (18%) per day compared to 2014/15.
The radio station says this means that ‘for every additional cyclist attracted to the route, taxpayers have spent over £62,000’.
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, told LBC:
“This cycle lane has been an absolute disaster for London. It was put in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“If you go down to the cycle lane outside of rush hour, there’s nobody on it. It’s a ghost town and that just reinforces the problem with it.”
However, the London Road Safety Council (LRSC) insists that TfL’s investment in cycling infrastructure should be viewed over the long-term.
Mark Bunting, LRSC press officer, said:
“The money being spent by TfL on the Capital’s cycling infrastructure is a long-term investment.
“As London’s population grows, there will be no spare capacity on trains or for car travel – so these routes and cycle hire schemes present a good option for travel.”
18 September 2018