Source: Micromobilitybiz

A survey reveals that 70% of London residents are in favor of increasing the number of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), while 60% support implementing a 20mph speed limit on all city roads.

Additionally, a significant majority of residents (76%) believe that e-bikes should be regulated similarly to mopeds, requiring taxation, insurance, and registration plates. Furthermore, 88% of participants think that cycle lanes should be mandatory wherever possible. Now in its third year, the Cyclomedia Urban Road Safety Index assessed transportation trends and road safety perceptions in 32 European cities, including London, where 1,035 individuals were surveyed.

The study explored views on safety, active travel, and existing laws related to road safety. While the findings indicate a strong desire among Londoners for enhanced traffic calming measures like LTNs and 20mph limits, there are also concerns regarding the rise of cleaner transportation options. Over half of the respondents (51%) expressed that road safety is deteriorating, attributing this to London’s lack of preparedness for new urban transport modes such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and cargo bikes.

When asked how local authorities could enhance road safety, the most common suggestion (54%) was to create better separation between roadways, cycle paths, and bus lanes. Moreover, 53% of Londoners believe that councils prioritize improvements for motorists over the safety of other road users.

Elizabeth Evans, UK sales manager at Cyclomedia, stated: “It’s encouraging to see Londoners want safer streets with more LTNs and 20mph limits but many still have concerns about worsening road safety, due to inadequate infrastructure for new types of transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

“The survey showed that the growing number of e-bikes, which often travel at speed, is of major concern, with citizens feeling they should fall under the same legislation as mopeds or motorbikes.

“Low Traffic Neighbourhoods remain a contentious topic across London but while there is opposition, it appears the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most residents in the capital.”

European comparisons

In general, perceptions of road safety in the capital are quite favorable. London ranked first among all 32 cities when residents were surveyed about whether local authorities are doing enough to enhance road safety, with 72% expressing agreement.

On the opposite end, Rome saw only 28% of its residents in agreement. Additionally, three-quarters of London respondents would recommend relocating to the capital based on road safety.

The city’s cycling infrastructure received high marks, with 72% of people feeling that its bike paths are safe, placing London in second position in Europe, just behind Helsinki at 79%. Copenhagen followed closely in third with 71%.

When it comes to overall safety, London performed well, with 80% of respondents feeling secure in traffic, earning it a tenth-place ranking, while Tallinn led with 88%.

Cyclomedia specializes in producing 3D visualizations of outdoor environments. The company utilizes advanced mobile mapping technology, capturing over 850,000 kilometers of roads annually. Urban planners rely on Cyclomedia to analyze and evaluate risk factors, prioritize road maintenance, and manage assets such as traffic signs, lighting, and other public infrastructure.

Among its UK clients is the London Borough of Harrow, which employs Cyclomedia’s services to further its digital twin initiatives. Evans remarked: “With many different modes of active travel competing for space with vehicles, local authorities need new ways of understanding and planning for the competing demands on the road, pavement and kerbside environment, so the safety of all can be considered.

“Highly accurate digital twins and 3D models help local planning authorities to better understand these challenges, when creating active travel schemes and moving towards net zero, allowing stronger integration with traditional modes of transport.

“The great news is that London came top in Europe when residents were asked if authorities are doing enough to improve road safety. This is really encouraging as it demonstrates that councils are fully committed to making positive changes and improving road safety for everyone.”