Spectators will be encouraged to pedal and stroll to the Games as a major drive to increase activity was launched to coincide with the unveiling of a £10 million ($15.7 million) improvement package for London’s cycle and walking networks.
An additional one million journeys a day are expected to be made by foot and bike in London next summer, as spectators switch from other forms of transport. It is forecast that 300,000 spectators will cycle and walk to Games venues in London next summer, with 7,000 bike parking spaces being provided for the Olympic Park alone.
A total of 75 km of East London’s cycle routes have been enhanced by Transport for London (TfL) through the 2012 Games Walking and Cycling Routes, a scheme conceived by charity Sustrans and funded by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
The enhancements, which span 113 individual schemes serving eight routes around the Olympic Park and river venues, are linked to existing networks and are part of a wider London Greenways network. All eight routes are now structurally complete with the Hackney Parks route being the first to have new signage installed as part of a rolling programme.
Improvements, which include new cycle crossings, improved paving and lighting for safety and security, will not only help spectators travelling to the Olympic Park and other London venues, but will leave London much better connected for cyclists and pedestrians after the Games. A variety of on and off-road routes will ensure that as many people as possible - from families and friends to experienced cyclists and walkers – are able to enjoy a fantastic way of experiencing the capital.
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and TfL today launched the London 2012 Active Travel programme (ATP) to increase the numbers of people cycling and walking before, during and after the Games.
The London-wide programme is being delivered by LOCOG, the ODA and TfL, and has been developed through working with local authorities, the NHS, Sustrans, Ramblers, Walk England, Living Streets and a number of other organisations.
More than 50 innovative projects encouraging more walking and cycling have been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark. Many of these projects will continue to provide community benefits long after London 2012.
Projects include a London Cycle Guide developed by TfL and part-funded by the ODA that highlights the 2012 Games Walking and Cycling routes. The map, which was published today, covers the area surrounding the Olympic Park, showing how the new routes integrate within London’s wider cycling network. It is available to order online from www.tfl.gov.uk/cycleguides.