Kingston and Merton are through to the final stages of the competition.
Kingston and Merton have been shortlisted for a share of £100million to make the borough more cycle friendly.
In total, eight outer London boroughs have gone through to the final stage of the Mayor’s competition which would see them receive funding to make the area a ‘mini Holland’.
Kingston’s proposals include a ‘Superskyway’ over the river from Kingston station to Hampton Wick, a fixed 700-metre boardway along the river, and cycle superhubs at Surbiton and Kingston railways stations and Kingston town centre, with spaces for up to 6,500 bikes.
Councillor Simon James, Kingston Council’s Lead Member for Transport, said he was delighted at the news.
“We are very encouraged by the response to our plans,” he said.
“There is a lot more work to do now to develop and fine-tune our proposals. We want to make cycling more convenient, better connected and safer, to make going by bike appeal to many more people.”
Merton are also celebrating after their plans for the borough saw them get through to the final stage.
Their plan involves a redesign of Wimbledon town centre and the building of a cycle hub at the Centre Court shopping centre.
Early next year three of four winners will be selected to share the £100 million of funding.
Councillor Janice Howard, Merton Conservatives’ Transport Spokesman said this was more good news for transport in Merton.
“With investment in buses and trams announced over the last couple of weeks, the confirmation that Boris Johnson has shortlisted Merton for an investment boost in cycling is very welcome,” she said.
“Johnson has seen Merton’s potential thanks to the long running support of Conservative Merton and Wandsworth Assembly Member, Richard Tracey AM.
“As local Conservative councillors who represent the Wimbledon area where the investment will be considered, we look forward to ensuring that the views of local residents, councillors and the Merton Cycling Campaign are listened to and taken on board once the final submission is published later this year.
For more information about the Mayor’s Cycling Vision go to: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/transport/publications/mayor-s-vision-for-cycling.
Photo courtesy of motorblog, with thanks.
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