Thousands of cyclists call on councillors to keep pre-election promises

Thousands of cyclists have called on councillors in Hounslow to keep their word over promised improvements.

Hounslow Cycling - the local branch of pressure group London Cycling Campaign - drew up a wish list, ranging from new cycle lanes and safer junctions to lower speed limits, for each of the borough's 20 wards ahead of last year's local elections.

It persuaded 24 out of the 60 elected councillors to pledge to make those dreams reality, and it is now determined to hold them to that commitment.

London Cycling Campaign has now got 10,200 people to sign a petition demanding councillors across the capital, including those in Hounslow, deliver on their promises.

Winston Gordon, of Hounslow Cycling, last month handed those reams of signatures to Syon ward councillor Katherine Dunne.

She and newly-elected Brentford ward councillor Guy Lambert, who has also given a commitment, later presented the 'Creating Space for Cycling' petition at a council meeting.

Brian Smith, of Hounslow Cycling, said: "Creating Space for Cycling is great for everyone, but currently Hounslow Council has a long way to go before it's safe and inviting for everybody to cycle.

"The specific improvements that Hounslow Council promised, if elected, to implement, would make a huge difference and open up cycling for the thousands of people in our borough who would like to cycle but don't currently feel that it’s safe enough for them to do so.

"We hope council leader Steve Curran will listen to the voices of local people calling for safe space for cycling and ensure these improvements are delivered as a priority."

He added that he was "delighted" the council was planning protected cycle lanes for the route to Oriel Academy in Hanworth, and consulting on a blanket 20mph speed limit for all but the borough's busiest roads.

But he said the group was still waiting for action on promised protected cycle lanes in Twickenham Road, leading to Isleworth Town Primary School, and in Feltham High Street, leading to Oak Hill Academy (formerly Feltham Hill Junior School), as well as any progress on Cycle Superhighway 9 which was planned to run along the A315.

Hounslow Council leader Steve Curran said: "As a borough council we are extremely supportive of the London Cycling Campaign and the hard work its members put in.

"Cycling is an important part of our work to improve the health of Hounslow residents and cycling is a key consideration along with pedestrian safety when we are making decisions about road layouts. It is also one of the main drivers behind proposals to make all but the major arteries running through Hounslow 20mph zones.

"Cycling has many champions locally, including Councillor Katherine Dunne and our MP Ruth Cadbury. The London Cycling Campaign members can count on our full support."

For more about the Space for Cycling campaign, and to see the full list of demands for wards in Hounslow, click here.