The Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate for London was ‘impressed’ by Mini Holland and has called for similar schemes across the capital.
Speaking following a tour of Waltham Forest last week, Siobhan Benita said other boroughs should learn from the ‘success’ of the Enjoy Waltham Forest Scheme, or Mini Holland.
She said: “I was really impressed by the Mini Holland scheme and the way it's reducing traffic and prioritising space for cyclists and pedestrians. I would like to see more of these schemes rolled out across London.”
The Mini Holland scheme has increased cycling in the borough. Photo: John Russell
In March 2014, Waltham Forest Council won £27 million in funding from Transport for London for the scheme.
Over five years on, the borough has new cycle lanes, traffic calming measures, pedestrianised areas and transport filter systems.
But the scheme has not proved universally popular; campaigners have claimed traffic on roads across the rest of the borough has increased due to the scheme.
Orford Road, Walthamstow, was partially pedestrianised as part of the scheme. Photo: John Russell
However, Ms Benita was impressed with the scheme’s cycle routes and infrastructure.
She said: “Some the cycle lanes we have in the capital are just paint on the road. We must continue improving the cycling infrastructure across London. The Liberal Democrats have already committed to quintuple spending on cycling per head and to creating incentives for councils to build protected cycle lanes.
“I also want to broaden the attraction of cycling to a wider audience. Whether you're eight or 80, I want Londoners to feel cycling is a safe and appealing option.”
Cycle storage facilities have been added across Waltham Forest. Photo: John Russell
Ms Benita added: “The physical and mental health benefits of projects like Mini Holland are clear as is the positive impact on creating better communities. But they are also absolutely essential to achieving my ambition of making London a world leader on the environment. I want a safer, greener, kinder London. The Mini Holland scheme is exactly the type of scheme that will contribute to that."
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