#8. ACCESSORISED. Although Parker’s London Cycle Map proposal is based on the policy of minimum functioning – doing as little as possible to get a fully signed network of cycle routes up and running in the capital – that doesn’t mean that these routes couldn’t be improved over time.

Once millions of Londoners had discovered how easy it is to ride a bike along coloured trails on the streets corresponding to the cycle routes on Parker’s map, the demand would soon grow for better provisioning of those routes. One important source of development would be infrastructure improvements, e.g. segregated cycle lanes. But that’s not all.

I think Parker’s routes could be accompanied by all sorts of clever accessories to make the cycling experience more pleasant. How about...

...a public toilet at every junction?

...covered areas for cyclists to shelter in, or just take a break in?

...bike parking all along the routes, particularly at popular locations?

...staffed bicycle repair centres at each junction?

...refuelling stops, run by businesses, to help cyclists rehydrate and reenergise?

...London Cycle Maps positioned at every junction showing subsidiary local routes?

...Boris bike docking stations adjacent to the routes?

...flashing signs informing cyclists of areas of the network undergoing roadworks?

It’s exciting to think of creative ways in which life could be made even easier for cyclists using the London Cycle Map and Network. It’s even more exciting to think that this wonderful project with all its accessories could be achieved right now, for a fraction of the cost being spent on other cycling schemes and campaigns.

If the London Cycle Map was implemented, what accessories would you like to see accompanying its coloured routes?

www.petition.co.uk/london-cycle-map-campaign