Merton Cycling Campaign

12^th November 2001

Dear Elizabeth Howlett

I was dismayed to hear that the Transport for London's draft budget for the year 2002/3 did not
include a budget for the London Cycle Network, and only included a share of Ł2million for
cycling initiatives.

I urge you to use your influence within the London Assembly to reinstate and increase all
cycling budgets to reflect the priority and commitments made in the Mayor's Transport Strategy.
I believe the urgent completion of high demand, high quality cycle routes (Proposals 4J.3 and
4J.4 of the Mayor's Transport Strategy) as part of the London Cycle Network is vital to get more
Londoners onto bikes, as are initiatives such as on-road cycle training for all London school
children (Proposal 4J.8).

I understand that although you, as an Assembly Member, will not have formally approved the
Mayor's budget until next February, Transport for London will issue letters to boroughs in mid-
December setting out their allocations. Such allocations will include any spending on cycling
infrastructure. It is therefore imperative that you get involved in the budget debate now, and
ensure that a budget is included for spending on a strategic cycle network for London.

You'll remember that getting more people cycling will not only improve the efficiency of the
transport system through reducing demand for scarce space on roads and public transport at
peak hours with very small capital outlay. It will also improve the quality of life of all Londoners
through the related health, community and pollution benefits.

If you need any further briefing, please contact Peter Lewis, Director of the London Cycling
Campaign on 020 7928 6112.

Yours sincerely
Richard Evans
Merton Cycling Campaign
www.mertoncyclists.org.uk