Autumn 2025 Newsletter
In this month’s newsletter we have:
Thank you, Westminster!
Ask the whole council about cycling
Let’s get more 2-way cycling!
The Sustainable Transport Strategy consultation
Family-friendly led ride this Sunday
Our next meeting - Monday 3 November
Thank you, Westminster!
Cycleway 43 & George Street Update
Not too long ago, Westminster Cycling Campaign was in the media spotlight, challenging the slow progress in making cycling safe in Westminster. This year, though, with new leadership in the administration, we've seen a wonderful shift towards promoting protected cycle tracks!
Our Cabinet Member for Streets, Cllr Max Sullivan, has made the brave decision to move forward with the crucial Cycleway 43 on George Street in Marylebone, despite opposition from Marylebone ward councillors. He spoke brilliantly at the council meeting last week about the need for safe cycling in Westminster, and the Scrutiny Committee voted not to delay the scheme any longer. Read all about it here.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Max and council leader Adam Hug for pushing these essential developments forward in Central London. Max has successfully ended the delays and procrastination we’ve seen before, which takes a lot of courage and commitment from the entire Labour Group as they approach re-election next May.
Can you take a moment to write to them and say thanks? They hear enough from those who oppose cycle infrastructure - a note of thanks from people who welcome it would go a long way! They are on msullilvan@westminster.gov.uk and ahug@westminster.gov.uk.
This is just one example of the many proposed cycleways in Westminster, as the current administration starts to fulfill its support for our 2022 Climate Safe Streets asks - including to build a network of safe and inclusive cycleways across the borough.
Ask the whole council about cycling
Did you know you can ask a question to a full council meeting in Westminster? This is something that opponents of active travel and healthy streets know how to use - less so people who want safe cycle infrastructure.
The next full council meeting is on Wednesday 12 November and the portal for asking a question closes next Tuesday - it has to be submitted in advance. To qualify, you have to work, live or study in Westminster.
What issues do you want to raise - is there a particular journey that should be safer by cycle, or too much traffic in a certain area that makes cycling unpleasant? Do you have friends or family members who don't cycle in Westminster, but would if safer infrastructure was there? Put your question and have your say!
Let’s get more 2-way cycling!
In recent months, the council has taken significant steps to improve 'cycling permeability' in our area. Officers have informed us that they are currently reviewing all suggestions for allowing two-way cycling on one-way streets in Westminster,which gives you a fantastic chance to share your thoughts!
Please let us—and the council—know which one-way streets in Westminster you believe would greatly benefit from contraflow two-way cycling. You can submit your suggestions directly on the Council’s website: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/walking-and-cycling/two-way-cycling-connections.
It’s important to remember that there’s solid evidence, built over many years, that supports the safety of two-way cycling on these types of streets, even if they’re narrow - and of course it makes cycling more direct through an area. If you have the time, we’d love for you to share your feedback with us as well; we’ll use your input to update our webpage on this topic, so don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts at westminster@lcc.org.uk
We suggested at our recent meeting with officers and councillors that it might be worthwhile to start a thorough review by considering all one-way streets in Westminster and determining which ones might not be suitable based on clear criteria.
You can also find our previous suggestions documented here: https://www.westminstercycling.org.uk/two-way-cycling. Just a heads up, it could be a bit out of date, but it’s a good starting point!
The Sustainable Transport Strategy Consultation
This strategy will affect everyone who visits, lives or works in Westminster, which is why we are not only asking for your feedback, but also asking that you share this consultation as widely as possible.
The Sustainable Transport Strategy has a map where you can leave comments - please share your thoughts and don't forget to vote on other's comments as well!
The consultation runs until December 8th. We will discuss it at our next meeting on Monday, November 3rd, but our input at an earlier phase of the strategy is below:
Our earlier ideas for the transport strategy
Why not make some of Westminster’s most iconic streets traffic-free? For instance, across the whole West End there could be a timed restriction on all vehicles except buses for most of the day, to make the whole area a pleasant place to shop and spend time, boosting traders' incomes and cutting collisions. Also many of Westminster’s iconic squares and public places could have reduced or no traffic, following the example of The Strand.
Keep through traffic off minor roads. Streets that do not need to carry through traffic – like shopping streets and residential neighbourhoods – should be access-only for motor vehicles. This will open up whole areas of people-priority streets where active travel is safe for all.
Give all of Westminster's children the choice of active travel to school, by creating a network of safe cycle routes, crossings and school streets. Streets that enable children to walk and cycle will enable other types of people too.
Have a 'best in class' kerbside strategy – and act on it - that prioritises sustainable measures like cycle lanes, greenery and cycle parking over the storage of private vehicles.
Emerging themes from the comments
People are already calling for less motor traffic and/or better walking and cycling facilities. We hope the council will take note – add your voice to theirs and respond today!
Family-friendly led ride this Sunday
The last of our regular family friendly cycle rides this year will be this Sunday!
Based at Westminster Wheels in Church Street NW8
Dr Bike 11 to 1pm
Family Friendly Ride at 1pm
Try a cargo bike with the new rental scheme organised by Westminster City Council at the same time - this is a preview before the official launch in the coming weeks.
Our next meeting: Monday 3 November
Our meetings are usually held on the first Monday of the month at 6:30pm. Our next two meetings will be in person.
When: 1830 Monday 3 November
Address: 296 Harrow Road, London, W2 5AX
Need directions or a better view? Click to open the Map
We would love to hear about your experience cycling in Westminster so please do join! Everyone is welcome and you don't need to be a member to attend.
We plan to hold the final meeting on Zoom on Monday December 1st at 18.30. Details to follow.
We are always ready to welcome more active members so if you’re a Westminster resident who would like to make cycling better in your borough, please email westminster@lcc.org.uk to see how you can get involved.