A bike lane that is separate from the regular roadway, but runs alongside it with a protected space in between is called a segregated bike lane. This lane prevents accidents between cyclists and motorists and allows cyclists to ride without fear from one location to another.

“Cycling is clearly now a major transport option in London, with over 170,000 bike journeys now made across central London every single day,” said Peter Hendy, transport commissioner for London in DeZeen.  “These projects will help transform cycling in London — making it safer and an option that more and more people can enjoy.”

The project , according to the Guardian, will cost almost one billion euros, and will be 18 miles long. According to Peter Walker, Guardian’s bike blogger, “The effect is humanizing, civilizing, relaxing, enchanting. It makes the city immediately more appealing. Beyond all that it also rebuts the perennial complaint that the push for London bike routes is the niche hobby horse of a small coterie of middle-class, male cyclists. The whole point is that if you create safer cycling you necessarily create more inclusive cycling.”

This is just one step London is taking to reduce road congestion and pollution. Other measures include limiting cars to certain areas and charging for access.“Getting more people on their bikes will reduce pressure on the road, bus and rail networks, cut pollution, and improve life for everyone, whether or not they cycle themselves,” Mayor Johnson told London 24.

Transport for London will vote on the measure on Feb. 4 and if approved, construction will begin in April.

Image credit:  Transport for London
Via inhabitat