London mayoral election: which candidate is best for cycling? The Guardian

Analysis: greater use of bikes can help tackle emissions in the capital, but can the would-be mayors deliver?
Laura Laker Tue 4 May 2021
After a year in which lives, homes and jobs were lost to a global pandemic, why does cycling matter? One of the London mayor’s major mandates is transport. Cycling and walking are a key part of that, not least while many people are avoiding public transport or working from home.
If people switch from public transport to driving, Transport for London (TfL) forecasts a huge rise in motor traffic and a corresponding surge in pollution. With road transport accounting for 20% of London’s emissions, providing alternatives to private cars is key.
Some active travel measures, such as low traffic neighbourhoods, have become the subject of heated debate but about 47% of Londoners support them, while 16% oppose them, according to one poll. To a great extent it is divided along party lines; support is far higher among London Labour voters (71%) than Conservatives (36%), YouGov found.
But which candidate should voters who want better conditions for cycling choose? Here’s a guide to the main candidates’ pledges.