Spring 2026 Newsletter
VOTE FOR WESTMINSTER’S FUTURE
DON'T LET THE MOMENTUM STOP – YOUR VOICE MATTERS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS!
With local election season about to go into gear, now is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on just how pivotal our historic borough has become in the active travel boom and let your council leaders know that you WANT MORE CHANGE!
Westminster’s cycling reputation is transforming from one of a ‘black hole’ for safe routes, to becoming a leader in the capital’s active travel efforts (so much so, even our own London Cycle Campaign named them a highly commended borough!). After decades of languishing, we’ve recently seen the completion of all the good things below...
Sussex Gardens: ‘Tulip’ wands on Cycleway 27
A world-first trial of colourful recycled wands improving the approach to Paddington.
Extra visibility and barriers for this cycle lane, thanks to the cheerful tulip wands!
Cycle permeability schemes
Newly permitted two-way cycling on numerous West End one-way streets including Noel, Foley, Carlisle, Wardour and others, opening up fresh, vital corridors of movement throughout the city.
Foley street - among the new streets allowing contraflow cycling in the West End!
New two-way and contraflow cycling solving the tricky canal-to-Paddington transition.
Blomfield road, a small but vital contraflow link through Regent’s canal area
Delamere terrace - two way cycle route now running alongside part of the canal in Paddington
More protected cycle lanes!
Work hasn't stopped there. Also under construction are:
C43 (George Street): Featuring the borough's first "stepped tracks" for physical separation. Completion due: Spring 2026.
C43 (Stanhope Place): Closure of “rat run” and improved pedestrian and cycle lane. Currently under construction.
C63 (Cleveland Street): A vital North-South link between the West End and Pimlico. Completion due: Spring 2026.
Side street zebra crossings
And it’s not just cyclists who are reaping the reward of this new traction; pedestrians are also getting improvements and enjoying greater safety.
One of eleven pioneering ‘side zebras’ in the borough, which have almost doubled motorist compliance in stopping for pedestrians.
Why this matters - the road ahead
Despite this progress, there’s still A LOT MORE TO DO to properly link up and extend cycleways in the borough, so that there are reliable, safe routes east-west and north-south, particularly in light of the Oxford Street pedestrianisation plan. As yet, the plan has not accounted for alternative cycle routes and without a joined up network the borough will struggle to keep traffic flowing and safe.
It's crucial that RESIDENTS show how much they want safe cycle routes
IF YOU LIVE IN WESTMINSTER, TAKE ACTION NOW -
CONTACT THE CANDIDATES!
We urge you to write to your local ward councillors NOW, as they finalise their manifesto pledges. Positive feedback on cycling schemes is often quiet while the opposition speaks loudly—make sure your support for active travel is heard.
Ideas for what to include in your email:
Local gaps: Where do you still feel unsafe walking or cycling?
Personal benefit: How have safe routes helped you or your family save money, stay healthy, or avoid traffic?
The commitment: Ask directly: "Will you commit to expanding protected cycle routes to create a proper network and improve pedestrian safety, if elected?"
Please also email the Labour and Conservative leaders with your thoughts TODAY:
Adam Hug (Labour) - Westminster Council Leader: leader@westminster.gov.uk
Paul Swaddle (Conservative) - Westminster Council Opposition Leader: pswaddle@westminster.gov.uk
We’re awaiting the announcement of other party leaders and will publish these in due course.
Local resident and WCC member Helen recently enjoyed having her say on the Bayswater Road cycle scheme in the Westminster Express newspaper. Let local leaders know that cycling and pedestrian safety matters to you, too!
LCC Women's Network volunteers assessing night time safety of new proposed cycle routes in Westminster, earlier this year.
Invite other Westminster residents to get our newsletter
There’s a web link to join this newsletter mailing list below, so please do share it with your local Westminster networks and communities (WhatsApp groups, residents' associations, local businesses etc). This election is likely to be a close call, so it’s vital that whoever is in the saddle continues to respond to and improve the way active travel in our borough works.
Sign-up link to the Westminster Cycling Campaign newsletter
https://lcc.civiplus.net/ssp/subscribe-westminster-cycling-campaign-newsletterYou don't have to be an LCC member to sign up!
The numbers cannot be ignored: over 200,000 people routinely cycle through the city centre—that’s roughly half the volume of daily tube riders. Our borough sees particularly huge ridership. With cyclists outnumbering cars 2-to-1 in the Square Mile and nearby surrounds, this means less traffic and less pollution for a safer, cleaner Westminster. This matters for residents: nearly two-thirds of Westminster households do not own a car. Safe walking and cycling routes aren't just "perks"—they are necessities for our community.