Below you’ll find Mayor Boris Johnson’s written responses to the questions relating to cycling tabled at the December 2013 session of Mayor’s Question Time. The Mayor provides written answers to those questions that are not posed verbally in the actual session. The answers are often hard to find and a bit convoluted, but they’re worth sharing – Transport for London’s definitions of potholes might be of particular interest!
There’s some interesting information hidden in here, as well as some stuff we already knew – There’s a restatement of the change in focus for the ‘Better Junctions’ programme, with a cut in the number of junctions to be redesigned – down from 100 to 33. We support this new focus on quality not quantity because the cycling safety improvements implemented so far as a result of the Better Junctions programme have been very weak. What’s new here is that the Mayor states that the remaining 67 junctions will still see improvements resulting from the Quietway and Cycle Superhighway programmes. We welcome this if it’s done properly.
There is also some good news – plans for the development of Chobham Manor in the Olympic Park are being re-examined due to “the low level of motorised traffic now expected”, to see if it is “possible to accommodate cycles on the carriageway” rather than a cycle lanes which require dismounting at junctions. The solution we favour is to have gates on the road which would allow pedestrians, cyclists and residents to use the road while preventing through motor traffic.
Finally, Question 4054, and the attached appendix provide some interesting detail on how TfL deals with potholes – and could be useful in making sure that roads and tracks get fixed. The appendix lists the sizes of potholes and the hazards that are considered to be ‘defects’ to be repaired. This includes potholes and hazards on cycle tracks and shared paths - the size of pothole considered a defect is the same, and cracks and gaps can also be considered as defects.
For cycle lanes on roads, or within 1.5 metres of the curb, the requirements for a ‘defect’ are lower – a pothole 20mm or deeper over 100 cm2 or more is a defect and should be repaired – within 24 hours, 7 days, or 28 days depending on severity – so it’s certainly worth reporting these, and keeping track of whether they do get fixed.
The full text of the questions and answers is listed below:
Cycle marking following road resurfacing
Question No: 2013/4649
Darren Johnson
A recent complaint from a constituent has revealed that, following resurfacing work by TfL, cycle markings can be delayed for days and maybe weeks, rather than hours for lane markings for vehicle drivers. As a matter of policy can you ensure TfL agree to the principle that reinstatement of road safety line markings that directly impact safety should not be unduly delayed following road repairs?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL confirm that road markings are reinstated as a matter of course as soon as physically possible following carriageway surfacing.
Of course when conditions are wet, the road markings fail to adhere to the new road surface, and in these situations stop lines and pedestrian crossing markings are temporarily reinstated until such time as the permanent markings can be applied.
As part of the ongoing resurfacing programme, TfL is taking the opportunity to review road markings and layouts to ensure they are fit for current purpose. It may have been as a result of such a review that your constituent witnessed a period of delay in cycle markings being applied. TfL undertake in future to complete all such reviews before any resurfacing commences.
Bus collisions
Question No: 2013/4651
Darren Johnson
Thank you for your response to 4051/2013. Please now provide a breakdown by calendar year instead of by fiscal year of the number of cyclists killed or suffering a 'major injury', as a result of a collision with a bus in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has committed to publishing bus incidents data on a regular basis on its website from spring next year. This will include quarterly reports of collision accidents across the bus network with a breakdown of data by bus operator, route and which borough.
Involvement of National Standard cycling trainers
Question No: 2013/4652
Darren Johnson
Will you ensure that National Standard cycle trainers will be involved in the consultation process on improving cycle superhighways and can you give an assurance that those involved in delivering cycle training will be properly represented in the junction review?
Written response from the Mayor
All future Cycle Superhighway routes and Better Junctions schemes will be subject to a full public consultation process. The Junction Review also includes consultation with a range of stakeholder groups, including the London Cycling Campaign, Sustrans and the London boroughs.
Cycle parking in Danson Park, London borough of Bexley
Question No: 2013/4653
Darren Johnson
In your cycling vision you pledged to 'deliver 80,000 additional cycle parking spaces in residential locations, stations, workplaces and other trip destinations by 2016'. Danson Park in Bexley is a highly popular trip destination which hosts the annual Danson Festival - an event which attracts up to 30,000 visitors to the park - but which currently lacks cycle parking facilities. Will you add your support to LB Bexley's bid to TfL for cycle parking funding through the Borough Cycling Programme?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has provided £15,000 to London Borough of Bexley for cycle parking in 2013/14 under the Borough Cycling Programme. In addition, the Borough has bid for additional support to deliver more cycle parking in future years (2014/15 to 2016/17). Its bid, alongside those from other London boroughs, is currently being reviewed and TfL hopes to be in a position to confirm funding within the next month.
I understand that there are a number of the green spaces across Bexley where the Borough is looking to provide additional secure cycle parking, of which Danson Park is one.
Road safety
Question No: 2013/4654
Darren Johnson
Your answer to my question 3412/2013 you failed to explain why there was an increase in the total road casualties of over 700 people a year since you became Mayor, despite there being a fall of 17,000 in the previous eight years. Can you please explain why London was so successful at reducing total casualties in the period 2000 - 2008, but has failed to do so since?
Written response from the Mayor
It is incorrect to say that the total number of casualties in London has increased by “over 700 people a year” – this is an inaccurate representation of important casualty data. As I stated in my previous answer, there were 477 fewer casualties on London’s roads in 2012 compared to 2011, a reduction of two per cent, and the number of casualties on London’s roads in 2012 was two per cent down on the 2005-09 average. This is the baseline against which TfL measures progress towards the target of a 40 per cent reduction in Killed or Seriously Injuries (KSI) casualties by 2020, and shows that in 2012 the number of KSI casualties was also down, by 17 per cent against this baseline.
Reducing road casualties in London remains a key priority and London’s new Road Safety Action Plan to 2020, entitled ‘Safe Streets for London’, sets out the actions that TfL, the Boroughs, the police and other agencies will take to save lives to further reduce injuries on London’s roads. The plan can be found at the following link: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/safe-streets-for-london.pdf.
Safer Junctions (1)
Question No: 2013/4656
Darren Johnson
Whilst there is a logic to spending more money on each of London's most dangerous junctions in order to make them safer, why are you not expanding the total cycling budget, instead of cutting back by three quarters the total number of junctions which will get the full range of improvements they need prior to 2016?
Written response from the Mayor
As I stated in my Cycling Vision, the Better Junction programme has been refocused away from minor improvements at a large number of junctions to genuinely transformational improvements at the worst and most dangerous junctions.
We have also expanded the total cycling budget more than three-fold and have increased the budget for junctions more than five-fold, from £19 million to £100 million. The total amount spent on junctions will in practice be even greater than this, since some will be paid for from the Cycle Superhighway and Quietway programmes, not to mention the doubling of investment in roads generally.
Safer Junctions (4)
Question No: 2013/4659
Darren Johnson
You have decided to scale down your dangerous junctions programme from 100 to 33. What action, if any, will you take on the remaining 67 junctions, and what will the budget for this work be?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 4656 /2013.
Safer Junctions (5)
Question No: 2013/4660
Darren Johnson
How much of the £100m for cycling safer junctions will be spent on the 25 junctions you hope to complete by 2016?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is currently developing its detailed delivery programme for the refocused Better Junctions programme.
Safer Junctions (6)
Question No: 2013/4661
Darren Johnson
Is a lack of finance the only limitation on dealing with the 67 dangerous junctions that were previously on your list?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 4656 /2013.
Safety camera upgrade programme update
Question No: 2013/4662
Darren Johnson
Further to your response to 2426/2012, please share the outcome of TfL's discussions with boroughs concerning their safety camera requirements and please detail how many ageing 'wet film' cameras have since been replaced by modern digital safety cameras as part of the £40m upgrade programme mentioned.
Written response from the Mayor
Consultation with the boroughs on the Safety Camera Replacement Project has taken two forms. Firstly, in October 2012, TfL presented a paper to the London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee which informed councillors from all boroughs of the intended policy on which the replacement programme is based. This paper can be found on the London Councils’ website at www.londoncouncils.gov.uk
Secondly, TfL carried out face to face meetings with individual boroughs in order to understand each borough’s requirements and establish support for the programme. To date 22 boroughs have confirmed support in writing. The remaining 11 boroughs have also indicated support for the project, but have specific queries regarding some camera locations in their boroughs which TfL is discussing with them.
No cameras have yet been replaced as TfL is still in the procurement process. Replacement of the cameras is likely to start in June 2014.
Cycling superhighways
Question No: 2013/4667
Darren Johnson
What is your budget for completing the seven additional Cycle Superhighways which you have promised to install between now and 2016?
Written response from the Mayor
Consultation with the boroughs on the Safety Camera Replacement Project has taken two forms. Firstly, in October 2012, TfL presented a paper to the London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee which informed councillors from all boroughs of the intended policy on which the replacement programme is based. This paper can be found on the London Councils’ website at www.londoncouncils.gov.uk
Secondly, TfL carried out face to face meetings with individual boroughs in order to understand each borough’s requirements and establish support for the programme. To date 22 boroughs have confirmed support in writing. The remaining 11 boroughs have also indicated support for the project, but have specific queries regarding some camera locations in their boroughs which TfL is discussing with them.
No cameras have yet been replaced as TfL is still in the procurement process. Replacement of the cameras is likely to start in June 2014.
20mph enforcement
Question No: 2013/4682
Jenny Jones
Will you ensure that the Met's Safer Transport Command gives priority to enforcing 20mph speed limits on borough and TfL roads as a measure to keep cyclists, pedestrians and other road users safe?
Written response from the Mayor
A key objective of the TfL funded Safer Transport Command and for the Traffic OCU is to enhance safety on London’s roads, especially for pedestrians, cyclists and powered two wheelers.
TfL supports the introduction of 20mph zones and limits in boroughs which choose to implement them. The TLRN already has a number of 20mph limits and TfL it is willing to consider 20mph on the TLRN at specific locations.
Road user behaviour
Question No: 2013/4683
Jenny Jones
As a step towards an evidence led approach to roads policing, can you outline the proportion of injuries to cyclists in London which stem from the top five main causes in terms of road user behaviour?
Written response from the Mayor
For the period 1/9/12-31/8/13 there were 4357 PI collisions reported in the MPS where a cyclist was involved.
Causation factors* are taken from the STATS19 data recorded in the collision report books. STATS19 allows up to 6 causation factors (from a specified menu) to be cited in any one collision. A total of 12,933 factors were cited from those collisions. The five most frequently cited causation factors were:
* Please note that the top four may apply to pedal cyclists and not just the driver of any other vehicle involved.
A causation factor may also apply to more than one party in the same collision. The MPS are in discussions with TFL with a view to developing a more accurate data set specific to London.
Opportunities to support TfL policing partners in implementing NICE Walking and Cycling guidance
Question No: 2013/4647
Darren Johnson
Did any opportunities for TfL to support its policing partners arise following TfL's considerations of the NICE Walking and Cycling guidance, as referred to in your response to 133/2013? If so, what were these and is a report available?
Written response from the Mayor
The NICE public health walking and cycling guidance has provided useful background in helping to develop joint priorities between TfL and the MPS in overcoming barriers to cycling and walking. The Right Direction, my strategy to improve transport safety and security in London, is being updated and will set out the objectives, priorities and key actions for TfL and its policing partners to further promote cycling and walking in London. In particular, TfL and the MPS will work closely to improve cycle safety, reduce cycle theft, and help tackle the barriers to walking such as lack of confidence and fear of crime.
The updated Right Direction is due to be published in March 2014. In addition to this, the MPS is working with TfL to support the delivery of the Road Safety Action Plan, Cycle Safety Plan, the Cycling Vision and the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan which all aim to improve cycling and walking in London.
The important role of TfL’s policing partners in improving the health of Londoners is also recognised in TfL’s Health Action Plan which will be published in 2014.
Cycle collision arrests (2)
Question No: 2013/4626
Caroline Pidgeon
How many drivers have been arrested and prosecuted in relation to cycling collisions in London in 2012 and 2013 to date?
Written response from the Mayor
There is no requirement for drivers to be arrested in order to prosecute them for motoring offences. In the majority of cases, they will be issued a summons.
Current databases do not hold the information being requested.
Driving lessons in Holland
Question No: 2013/4693
Andrew Boff
Driving instructors in Holland teach new drivers to use their right hand to open the car door, forcing drivers to turn in their seat, putting them in a better position to see if a cyclist is approaching from behind. Would you support this good practice and urge the Driving Standards Agency to look into the proposal?
Written response from the Mayor
While this is something I would in principle support, this is a matter for the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) at a national level. TfL has a good relationship with the DVSA and I will ask them to follow up with them on this proposal.
To raise awareness of this type of danger, TfL recently produced a sticker for taxi and private hire drivers to affix to cab windows, reminding passengers to look out for cyclists before they exit their cab. Approximately 25,000 stickers were produced for taxi cabs and 20,000 for private hire vehicles in the autumn. Posters with this same message have been sent to private hire booking offices to raise awareness among customers waiting for their cabs.
New research on cycling risk
Question No: 2013/4694
Andrew Boff
Have you read the new paper from the International Cycling safety conference that has found that when sex and age group are accounted for, cycling is not systematically riskier than walking or driving, and that young males are five times more at risk when driving than when cycling?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL and I welcome such papers from academics and research groups alike and this kind of research is invaluable in adding to our own comprehensive programme of road safety investigation and analysis. I will ask my Cycling Commissioner to study the conclusions of the International Cycling safety conference.
Enforcing road laws
Question No: 2013/4695
Andrew Boff
Might plain clothes policemen on bikes be better placed to enforce traffic rules for all road users, than uniformed policemen placed stationary at some busy junctions?
Written response from the Mayor
An officer must be in uniform to stop vehicles using Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act so this would not be practical. Likewise, only officers in uniform can issue fixed penalty notices.
Chobham Manor cycling infrastructure
Question No: 2013/4696
Andrew Boff
Why does the recently submitted reserve matters planning application for Chobham Manor state that cycle lanes will stop, and therefore make cyclists get off their bikes, at junctions?
Written response from the Mayor
The reserved matters planning application for Chobham Manor contains a proposal for cyclists to be accommodated on off-carriageway cycle lanes, rather than on the carriageway in an area where it is expected a high level of families would be keen to be on bikes.
However, given the low level of motorised traffic now expected it has been recognised that this may not be the best solution and the proposal is being re-examined to see if it is possible to accommodate cycles on the carriageway.
Road traffic police targets
Question No: 2013/4710
Richard Tracey
Is it right that road traffic police in London have been given a target to issue ten tickets per month to cyclists?
Written response from the Mayor
No. The Traffic Operational Command Unit has a range of performance measures that record enforcement activity focused on reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on the road. This enforcement activity tackles the main causation factors in collisions. The focus is on behaviour and targets both motorists and cyclists.
Cycling in London
Question No: 2013/4754
Tom Copley
Please set out what urgent action you intend to take to make London's streets safer for cyclists.
Written response from the Mayor
I am deeply saddened by the six recent cyclist fatalities on London’s roads over a period of two weeks in early November.
There is no room for complacency where road safety is concerned and urgent action is needed to improve cycle safety. This is why TfL has an extensive programme of activity underway to improve conditions for cyclists across the capital. It is important we continue to work to deliver this ambitious programme and avoid ill thought through or ‘knee-jerk’ reactions which could compromise the safety of cyclists or other road users.
TfL’s programme includes infrastructure improvements through Better Junctions, Cycle Superhighways, Quietways and mini-Hollands, as well as Bikeability training for cyclists, Safe Urban Driving training for commercial and HGV drivers, Cycle Taskforce expansion and campaigns such as the cycle safety tips campaign, which sets out balanced safety messages for drivers and cyclists.
In spring 2014, TfL will publish an updated Cycle Safety Action Plan, expanding on activities contained within my Vision for Cycling in London and in my Road Safety Action Plan.
The current Cycle Safety Action Plan can be found at: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Cycling/Cycle-Safety-Action-Plan.pdf and the Road Safety Action Plan can be found at: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/safe-streets-for-london.pdf.
Barclays Cycle Hire scheme (2)
Question No: 2013/4810
Navin Shah
What discussions have you had with officers in Brent and Harrow to facilitate this?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has not had discussions with either borough regarding bringing Barclays Cycle Hire to the area.
Cycle Task Force (1)
Question No: 2013/4874
Joanne McCartney
Following on from MQ 1571/2013, can you outline the job description of the Cycle Task Force and whether they specifically focus on enforcing the rules of the road?
Written response from the Mayor
The TfL-funded MPS Cycle Task Force supports the Mayor’s ambition to increase the number of people cycling in London by focusing its efforts on improving cycle safety and reducing cycle theft, both are key barriers to cycling. The team’s primary responsibilities focus on two main areas:
•Education, engagement and enforcement to make London’s roads safer for cyclists, by promoting responsible road use. This includes enforcing the rules of the road, taking a balanced approach between motorists and cyclists, and tackling careless, risky and dangerous road use which puts lives at risk. They also run the award winning Exchanging Places events and engage with businesses and communities to promote safer cycling and responsible road use.
•Crime prevention and investigation activities to reduce cycle theft. This includes activities such as running bike marking events, giving out crime prevention advice to cyclists, disrupting the market in stolen bikes, and running covert operations to target prolific offenders.
The team works closely with other teams across the MPS to promote cycle safety and reduce cycle theft across London.
Cycle Task Force (3)
Question No: 2013/4876
Joanne McCartney
Can you break down by borough how will the 50 Cycle Task Force officers be deployed across London?
Written response from the Mayor
The officers in the TfL-funded Cycle Task Force (CTF) are not allocated to individual boroughs. The CTF deals with pan-London issues and deploys to priority locations across the Capital based on intelligence.
The CTF works closely with the 32 borough based Safer Transport Teams which have a shared responsibility for improving cycle safety and reducing cycle theft in their local areas.
Electric bike trial in Haringey (1)
Question No: 2013/4890
Joanne McCartney
Following on from MQ 2013/4214, when do you expect to have the details of the length of trial, cost and potential take up for the e-bike trial in Haringey?
Written response from the Mayor
The results from the feasibility study are expected in summer 2014.
Electric bike trial in Haringey (2)
Question No: 2013/4891
Joanne McCartney
Following on from MQ 2013/4216, when will you make your decision on where the 30 e-bikes to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) will be deployed?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS will provide a full timetable and pilot plan in January once expressions of interest from E-bike suppliers have been received. The pilot will start soon after the MPS receives the E-Bikes.
Quietways in Haringey
Question No: 2013/4894
Joanne McCartney
When will the Quietways be implemented in Haringey? How long will you monitor them to ensure they are safe and to measure the uptake?
Written response from the Mayor
The Quietways are a ten year programme offering a high-quality network of guided routes on back streets, through parks and along canal towpaths. Construction on the first routes will begin in 2014 and the locations of these routes will be announced in the New Year.
TfL is building on the existing pan-London cycling monitoring programme which will cover the infrastructure delivered as part of my Cycling Vision. The results of this monitoring will be used to develop and improve each Cycling Vision programme to ensure they are contributing effectively to my overall cycling strategy and the 5 per cent cycling mode share target in my transport strategy.
Prosecutions for road traffic accidents involving cyclists
Question No: 2013/5005
Murad Qureshi
How many prosecutions have there been brought in the last five years as a result of road traffic accidents involving cyclists?
Written response from the Mayor
The current IT system at the Traffic Criminal Justice Unit cannot provide this information.
Buses & cyclist deaths
Question No: 2013/5019
Murad Qureshi
What measures are you putting into place to minimise the number of cyclist deaths arising from collisions with buses?
Written response from the Mayor
I am strongly committed to ensuring the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable roads users when sharing the road with London’s buses. TfL has an on-going programme of measures to reduce the number of collisions involving buses. This includes training and advice for bus drivers and cyclists, improvements to junction design and infrastructure, route risk assessments and a comprehensive incident reporting system.
London’s bus drivers are trained to consider the safety of cyclists through the bus driver BTEC module on cyclists and other vulnerable road users. TfL and bus operators work together to increase drivers’ awareness of cyclists – how they use the road and their vulnerability – through such initiatives as the Big Red Book, the ‘Big Bus Little Bike’ DVD – which 95 per cent of drivers have seen -- and Exchanging Places events at bus garages.
Bus route risk assessments are undertaken on every bus route and cycle initiatives, including new cycle infrastructure, are explained to bus operators to make sure they understand how to use them safely. Bi-annual audits are conducted to ensure the risk assessment process is thorough and relevant and all serious bus collision incidents are reviewed collaboratively with the Metropolitan Police Collision Investigation Unit.
Furthermore, TfL will continue to examine collision statistics and police collision investigation reports to ensure measures are deployed where they can most effectively improve safety.
Operation Safeway
Question No: 2013/5027
Murad Qureshi
How many fixed penalty notices have been issued to HGV drivers entering the cycle zone at traffic lights following the launch of Operation Safeway on the 25th of November?
Written response from the Mayor
The data is not collected in a way that allows me to accurately answer this question. However, since the start of Operation Safeway, 528 vehicles have been issued with FPNs for failing to comply with automatic signals – this may include some that have crossed the line into the “bike box”. A further 180 vehicles have been issued FPNs for “advanced stop line” offences.
Kings Cross gyratory system
Question No: 2013/5156
Andrew Dismore
In light of the number of cycling deaths, what is your timetable for sorting out Kings Cross gyratory system to make it safer?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is working with Camden and Islington Councils on a feasibility study to transform the gyratory system in the Kings Cross Area. The objectives of this study are on the TfL website (http://beta.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/kings-cross-gyratory) and are heavily focussed on improving facilities and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The study will coordinate with the planned alignment of the North-South Cycle Superhighway.
Additionally, TfL has been developing an interim scheme ahead of the gyratory review to provide improved facilities for cyclists at the junction of Euston Road with Grays Inn Road and York Way, and along Pentonville Road. The current programme is to consult with the public in the New Year with construction commencing in Spring 2014.
Satisfaction with Cycle Hire (2)
Question No: 2013/5265
Caroline Pidgeon
In answer to questions put, how many responses to Cycle Hire member surveys have rated aspects of the scheme as being below satisfactory?
Written response from the Mayor
The results from the survey can be viewed on the TfL website at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/customerresearch/15788.aspx?1=1
Independent research also confirms very high public approval of the scheme – for instance a YouGov poll of users taken in November 2013 showed 78% satisfaction, even higher than TfL’s own measures.
Satisfaction with Cycle Hire (3)
Question No: 2013/5266
Caroline Pidgeon
Reports of falling satisfaction with the Cycle Hire scheme indicate that the doubling of prices was only one driver. What other areas of the scheme have seen falling satisfaction?
Written response from the Mayor
I do not agree that the scheme is seeing falling satisfaction.
The results from the most recent surveys for members and casual users can be seen on the TfL website at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/customerresearch/15788.aspx?1=1
Independent research also confirms very high public approval of the scheme – for instance a YouGov poll of users taken in November 2013 showed 78% satisfaction, even higher than TfL’s own measures.
Satisfaction with Cycle Hire (4)
Question No: 2013/5267
Caroline Pidgeon
What action will be taken to address the problems highlighted by falling satisfaction reported by members of the Cycle Hire scheme in response to surveys?
Written response from the Mayor
It isn’t true to say customer satisfaction is falling. The most recent Customer Satisfaction Survey of members, demonstrate that overall customer satisfaction has reached 71 per cent - the highest level since the scheme launched in 2010.
The results from the most recent surveys for members and casual users can be seen on the TfL website at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/customerresearch/15788.aspx?1=1
Nevertheless TfL is always keen to improve the performance of the scheme. TfL is committed to providing improvements to the user experience which will be achieved with the introduction of new initiatives, such as corporate accounts, new docking stations, and a continued strong drive to improve redistribution efforts. TfL is further committed to providing better and more customer information.
Independent research also confirms very high public approval of the scheme – for instance a YouGov poll of users taken in November 2013 showed 78% satisfaction, even higher than TfL’s own measures.
Late responses from previous months:
Ride London
Question No: 3249 / 2013
Valerie Shawcross
Why were the docking stations for the Cycle Hire Scheme along the Ride London route suspended while the event was in progress? It means that members of the public who wanted to join in with the ride could not hire bikes out which defeats the object of the event.
Written response from the Mayor
Docking stations remained open over the Ride London weekend and it was a very successful event for Barclays Cycle Hire.
There were a total of 67,508 hires over the weekend, 11 per cent higher than the average weekend in July. 48,211 of these were by casual users, which is a 16 per cent increase in casual hires.
The Free Cycle Saturday alone saw 34,928 hires, 15 per cent higher than the average weekend in July with a 21 per cent increase in casual hires. Three docking stations were staffed on this day at Hyde Park Corner, Godliman Street and Tower Gardens, and these saw increases in hires from 56 per cent to 241 per cent.
Advance Stop Line Enforcement
Question No: 2013/3480
Caroline Pidgeon
Following the seven-week trial of police enforcement of advance stop lines at traffic lights, what lessons have been learned from this work and what level of enforcement is planned in future?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL funded officers in the MPS Safer Transport Command and Traffic Cycle Taskforce, as well as the City of London Police, stepped up enforcement of advanced stop lines to help further improve safety for cyclists on the capital’s roads for two weeks in August / September. The increased enforcement phase followed a seven-week intensive phase of engagement and education run by the police across London to improve awareness of ASL rules. Over 5,260 road users were given verbal warnings and over 460 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for ASL related offences, including 200 cyclists for going through a red light. Similar operations will be mounted at monthly intervals.
This intensified operation was in addition to the regular enforcement and engagement activity undertaken by the police to improve road and cycle safety. Enforcement of ASLs is a key priority for TfL funded police and given the success of this operation, ASL enforcement has been mainstreamed into their day to day activities. The police will continue to focus on key ASL locations identified through intelligence and analysis. TfL funded officers will run cycle safety enforcement operations every month, mobilising officers from across the 1,800 strong TfL funded Safer Transport Command to promote responsible road use.
Increase in Cycling Deaths and Serious Injuries
Question No: 2013/3992
Caroline Pidgeon
To what do you attribute the 18% increase in cycling deaths and serious injuries on London's roads?
Written response from the Mayor
I am concerned about the increase, and we are taking new preventative steps, including Operation Safeway. However, this should be seen in the context of a huge increase in cycling in recent years, with cycling on London’s main roads having almost tripled in the last decade. The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured (KSI) per journey cycled in London has fallen by 22 percent in the ten years from 2002 to 2011, the most recent figures available.
The number of cyclists killed on London’s roads also fell during 2012 and was 16 per cent down against the 2005-09 baseline. This is the baseline against which TfL measure progress towards the target of a 40 per cent reduction in Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties by 2020, as set out in the Safe Streets for London road safety action plan. In the longer term, the number of cyclists killed on London’s roads in the last five years was 17 per cent lower than in the previous five years.
As you are aware, I recently published my Vision for Cycling in London which sets out plans to invest over £900 million in cycling in the capital, providing more and safer routes for cyclists. This will be achieved by improving the Barclays Cycle Superhighways, creating a network of Quietways which will offer cycling routes away from main roads, improving key junctions, funding training for drivers and cyclists and continuing the work already under way with the freight industry.
In addition, TfL is undertaking a feasibility study into the best options for introducing a Safer Lorry Scheme and improving standards of vehicle safety in London. TfL is also supporting boroughs in rolling out more 20 mph speed limits and is investigating where 20 mph can be implemented on London’s main roads, such as the experimental limit at the Waterloo IMAX cinema roundabout.
City Hall Cycle Hire Docking Station
Question No: 2013/4001
Caroline Pidgeon
On how many days this year has the City Hall cycle hire docking station at any point during the day (from midnight to midnight) been a) without any bikes to hire and b) without any empty docks to return a bike? Which day of the week most often suffers from being a)full and b)empty?
Written response from the Mayor
High demand at popular docking stations in central London mean that it can be common for there to be short periods of time where a docking station may either not have any bicycles to hire or may not have any empty docking points to return a bike.
In the case of Tooley Street docking station by City Hall, between 1 January and 31 August 2013, there were 133 days (out of 243) which included a period however short when the station was temporarily empty on at least one occasion and no bicycles were available to hire. Typically the period was extremely short, 75 per cent of the incidences when the station was temporarily empty were of a duration of under 20 minutes. During the same period, there were 213 days where the station was temporarily full on at least one occasion; when the station was temporarily full it was for under 20 minutes for 67 percent of the time. It should be noted that between 1 January and 31 August the station had free docking points 90 per cent of the time and bikes available 98 per cent of the time, 24 hours a day. The same period last year saw similar availability with free docking points at Tooley Street for 90 per cent of the time and bikes available for 99 per cent of the time. This is the most recent data TfL holds.
The four other docking stations near Tooley Street (Bermondsey Street, Long Lane, Tanner Street and Tyers Gate) are larger and the data shows likely availability at one of the other stations if Tooley Street should become full or empty. Tyers Gate, for example, is just a 550 metres ride away from Tooley Street and, in part due to its size with 36 docking points, had free docking points 94 per cent of the time and bikes available nearly 100 per cent of the time, 24 hours a day between 1 January and 31 August this year.
Additionally, TfL give customers an extra free 15 minutes to take their bike to another docking station if their first choice is full.
At Tooley Street the highest numbers of empty incidences occur on a Thursday, the highest number of full incidences are on a Saturday.
TfL negotiated an improved Key Performance Indicator (KPI) regime with Serco in May 2013 regarding the number of instances stations are full or empty. Since the new KPI regime was introduced, availability across the scheme has improved and TfL is confident this will continue. However, I have asked TfL to ensure they keep the Tooley Street docking station under review.
Cycle Sensitive Streets
Question No: 2013/4054
Darren Johnson
Thank you for your answer to my question 3307/2013 on cycle sensitive streets. In order to clarify the approach being taken please can you provide a full detailed report of defect types, their identification thresholds, and response requirements that are inspected for cycle specific hazards for:
a) Cycle Super Highways
b) TfL Red Routes
c) Cycle Tracks
d) On Carriageway (non Red Routes)
Written response from the Mayor
TfL recognises that the maintenance of roads to a high standard is a key contributing factor in encouraging more people to cycle more often.
Inspection frequencies are benchmarked against the National Code of Practice, ‘Well Maintained Highways’. Inspections on Red Routes meet the recommended frequencies in each category, and are exceeded in several categories. Boroughs also generally follow the National Code of Practice for non-red routes.
The summary attached as Appendix 4054 (at the end of this email) illustrates TfL’s intervention levels for carriageways, footways and cycle tracks. In view of the hazard that surface defects can cause for cyclists, intervention levels are lower for carriageway defects within a cycle lane or within 1.5 metres of the kerb. This is common to any route and no distinction is made for Cycle Superhighways. Response times to address defects are risk based depending on the specific location, severity and likely usage and the most urgent defects are made safe within an hour.
This applies to assets owned by TfL. Other assets such as utility covers are owned and maintained by third parties. However, TfL has negotiated an agreement with Thames Water to carry out emergency repairs on their behalf which can significantly improve response times to dangerous defects. It is are seeking similar agreements with other utilities.
Cycling budget - Dangerous Junctions
Question No: 2013/4067
Darren Johnson
Can you please clarify how much is due to be spent on making dangerous junctions safer, in each year between now and 2015/16?
Written response from the Mayor
Through the Better Junctions programme, TfL plan to invest £100 million throughout the course of the Business Plan on improving safety for cyclists at key junctions and gyratories across London.
A further £177 million should be spent on improving major junctions as part of wider schemes to develop areas such as Elephant and Castle and Wandsworth gyratory. An estimated £22 million will be spent via the Cycle Superhighways programme to upgrade major junctions on future key cycling routes.
Cycling safety 1
Question No: 2013/4188
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of the accident on 21 October, 2013 when a cyclist was hit by an eight-wheeled skip truck on Camden High Street and seriously injured? She was going along the High Street and the truck turned left into her as they went into Delancey Street. Does this not show that left turns across cycle lanes are inherently dangerous and should be stopped on TfL roads?
Written response from the Mayor
It is clearly not practical to ban left turns on all TfL roads in London.
However, there are some design options that can eliminate or significantly reduce the risk from left-turning vehicles and TfL has been trialling some of these at an off-street test track. These include use of early start signals and separately signalling cycle movements through use of low-level signals. Many of these require alterations to DfT regulations, which we are lobbying for.
Cycling safety 2
Question No: 2013/4189
Andrew Dismore
Will you reconsider the current proposed redesign of Cobden Junction which is inherently dangerous for cyclists, with a left turn across the cycle lane which can only lead to more serious accidents between cyclists and HGVs?
Written response from the Mayor
Although the scheme consultation resulted in a support rating of 84 per cent, the project team (LB Camden and TfL) have been looking again at the concerns raised by some cycling groups relating to the potential left turn conflicts in the proposed layout. A final decision will be made in due course.
Mayor's Vision for Cycling
Question No: 2013/4202
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 97 / 2013: "While there is a lot of money (or at least a lot promised) through the Mayor's Vision for Cycling, Camden don't have enough officers to progress quickly to make improvements. Whilst TfL have given temporary money to assist with hiring people, would it not be better if boroughs had capacity and experts in post on permanent contract funded by TfL?" amd your answer, "TfL is discussing possible solutions with London Councils and individual boroughs including Camden", what possible solutions are under discussion and what is the timetable for them to be implemented?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has provided LB Camden with funding for temporary staff support to help scope and deliver the Central London Grid.
In addition, boroughs are able to bid for staff support for 2014/15 to 2016/17 through the Borough Cycle Programme. Camden has submitted a bid for funding. Submissions are currently being reviewed and an announcement on the allocations will be made late this year.
Boroughs are able to re-charge a reasonable proportion of their staff time that is required to support the development and delivery of LIP schemes. Despite significant pressures on TfL’s budget, LIP funding will be held constant for the next three years (2014/15 to 2016/17); in line with the £147.8 million funding that has been allocated in the current financial year.
As you may know, Camden Council is not unique in having these challenges. London Councils is also leading on a joint working initiative between TfL and the boroughs, to help ensure London has sufficient skilled staff to deliver current and future transport programmes. A Working Group has been set up to look at this in more detail and explore a number of proposals, including more sharing of staff between boroughs and TfL, secondments and job swaps, and training up new staff through graduate schemes and apprenticeships. More information on this can be found at: http://londoncouncils.gov.uk/committees/agenda.htm?pk_agenda_items=5431
Appendix 4054: TfL inspection and maintenance intervention levels
The TfL road network comprising, footways, carriageways & cycleways are inspected at regular intervals by a team of trained highway inspectors at frequencies varying between weekly and monthly depending on usage. The inspectors record defects and prioritisation according to severity follows.
Defects posing cycle specific hazards are identified as follows within TfL highway features:
Carriageway
•A pothole 20mm or deeper over 100sqcm or more within 1.5m of the kerb or within a formally marked cycle lane
•A pothole 30mm or deeper over 100sqcm or more elsewhere
•Spalling of concrete 20mm or deeper over 400sqcm or more
•Crowning of 40mm or more over a 3m length
•A depression of 40mm or more within a 1m length or 25mm or more within a 300mm length
•Rutting of 40mm or more
•A gap or crack 20mm or wider, 40mm or deeper and 500mm or longer
•An oil or diesel spill over 1sqm
•Missing or defective anti-skid surfacing over 1sqm
•Standing water 10mm or deeper over 500mm in width adjacent to the kerb or 20mm or deeper over 1sqm or more elsewhere
•Debris, building materials, abandoned vehicles or other obstruction likely to create a hazard
•Inadequate signing or guarding of works
Pedestrian Crossing
•A ‘trip’ of 20mm or more
Footway/Shared Path/Cycle Track
•A ‘trip’ of 20mm or more
•A pothole 20mm or deeper over 100sqcm or more
•A rocking slab or block with 20mm or more movement
•A gap or crack 20mm or wider, 20mm or deeper and 200mm or longer
•Standing water 10mm or deeper over 1sqm or more
•Cellar or other access doors or vents likely to create a hazard
•Damaged, misaligned or defective street furniture likely to create a hazard
•Height clearance less than 2.5m to cycle path or cycle track below signs or overhanging trees or vegetation
•Height clearance less than 2.1m to footway below signs or overhanging trees or vegetation
•A tree base 20mm or more below footway level
•A damaged or defective tree grid likely to create a hazard
•Advertising, scaffolding, hoarding, building materials, vegetation or other obstruction likely to create a hazard
•Inadequate signing or guarding of works
Cycle route / shared path
All as other features with the addition of:-
•A longitudinal gap or crack 10mm or wider, 40mm or deeper and 500mm or longer
•An oil or diesel spill over 300mm diameter
•A ‘trip’ of 20mm or more
•Gully grating unsuitable for cycling
•Minimum headroom clearance for cyclists less than 2.5m
Kerbing
•A unit dislodged by 50mm or more horizontally
•A unit sunk by 20mm or more compared to an adjacent unit
•A unit rocking with 20mm or more of movement
•A missing unit
Ironwork
•A broken or cracked cover likely to create a hazard
•A worn or polished cover likely to create a hazard
•A missing cover
•A rocking cover or frame likely to cause a hazard or noise nuisance
•Ironwork sunk or projecting by 20mm or more
•Fluid discharging and likely to create a health or safety hazard
•A missing gully grate
•A blocked gully likely to create a hazard
•A broken or cracked gully grate likely to create a hazard
Defect Response
Once a defect has been identified, it is assessed to determine the likelihood of injury. This will depend on its severity, location and likely level of usage by road users. The most urgent defects are made safe within an hour. Other defects are usually required to be repaired within 24 hours, 7 days or 28 days depending on an assessment of their risk.