London Cycling Campaign Calls for Action on Dangerous Battersea Bridge Conditions

The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) has organized a solemn cycle protest scheduled for Sept. 7, 2023, at 6 p.m., assembling at the “In Town” sculpture on Battersea Bridge, London. The event is aimed at drawing attention to the ongoing dangerous conditions on Battersea Bridge and in its surrounding areas.

The protest comes in response to a tragic incident that occurred on Aug. 10 when a 27-year-old woman lost her life in a collision involving a lorry while cycling northbound over Battersea Bridge. The event is scheduled exactly one month after this unfortunate incident.

LCC is demanding urgent action from Transport for London (TfL), the Mayor of London, Wandsworth Council, and Kensington & Chelsea Council to address the hazardous cycling conditions that have plagued Battersea Bridge for years. Despite the area’s notorious reputation for dangerous cycling conditions, delays and inaction have persisted.

According to Simon Munk, the Head of Campaigns at LCC, “This bridge has enough of a collision history that the scheme proposed here should have been done years ago… We’re bitterly disappointed with the lack of progress on the scheme. We’re also bitterly disappointed with how weak the scheme is.”

The delays have been attributed to disputes between TfL and local councils, as well as concerns over potential traffic disruptions. However, the high number of serious collisions involving cyclists on the bridge over the past decade has underscored the urgency of addressing the safety concerns.

The proposed scheme for Battersea Bridge, which has faced extensive delays, is also deemed inadequate by LCC. It fails to incorporate significant safety improvements and cycling facilities on the bridge itself.

LCC points out that TfL’s own planning documents have identified Battersea Bridge as a crucial corridor with potential for increased cycling and reduced car journeys. Yet, the current scheme falls short of separating cyclists from motor traffic effectively.

The situation is not unique to Battersea Bridge, as other London river crossings face similar challenges. LCC urges TfL to reevaluate its approach to bridge and tunnel crossings over the Thames, prioritizing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

In the face of ongoing concerns, LCC has organized the cycle protest as part of its efforts to push for more rapid, coherent, and innovative action to improve cycling conditions in London. The organization is calling on the Mayor, TfL, and the involved councils to prioritize the safety of Londoners and address these critical issues promptly.