Campaigners have warned that a collaboration between Transport for London (TfL) and Google Maps to “make cycling safer” is not addressing more important issues, such as a lack of physical signage.
Last week, Google said its Maps app had improved cycling directions for London, after working with TfL on the changes.
The partnership promises to make journeys safer and to prioritise quieter roads when presenting routes to cyclists.
Many of London’s new cycle developments are missing from Google Maps, and this move will provide Google with more of TfL’s data.
How safe is navigation for cyclists in London?
A cyclist at London Bridge Station told City News that Google Maps often fails to suggest the quietest option when planning a route.
Another mentioned being led the wrong way down one-way streets.
Both cyclists told City News they look forward to the roll-out of the new update.
Many food delivery drivers rely on navigation apps to cross the city
Cycling signage ‘a mess’
While the update may solve some issues, many consider current signposting for London’s cycle routes to be misleading and unhelpful.
The London Cycling Campaign told City News that signage in London for cyclists is “a mess” and TfL often uses numbers for cycle routes without stating the destination, leading to confusion.
Unused or obsolete signs are also not being removed.
City News found that signs often point in the wrong direction, or were covered with stickers.
New cyclists will struggle to find their way around with confusing and unhelpful signs. Credit: Jacob Perkins/City News
Safety linked to infrastructure
Cycling is a relatively safe mode of transport, with 26 fatalities per one billion travelled miles compared to 119 for motorcyclists, according to CyclingUK, a charity supporting cyclists and promoting bicycle use.
It told City News that cycling often feels unsafe due to the volume of traffic and the attitude of other road users. The charity also found that two thirds of people in the UK believe bike riding to be unsafe.
On Wednesday night, protesters in Hackney rode to call for better cycle safety after two young people were killed cycling in September.
Protesters gathered to pay their tributes to two young cyclists who died in September. Credit: City News
Their demands included improving cycle infrastructure and lowering speed limits for motor vehicles.
London Cycling Campaign argues that the most impactful way to improve the safety of cycling is to improve the safety at junctions.
Junctions are seen as particularly dangerous, and cyclists often have to cross between cycle lanes with large vehicles. Credit: Jacob Perkins/City News
Transport for London did not respond to our request for comment.
Submitted Article
HeadlineTfL and Google Maps join forces to make navigation safer for cyclists
Short HeadlineNew collaboration aims to map better cycling routes
StandfirstThis partnership plan to improve cycling maps but some question whether this is safe enough, with physical signage still confusing Londoners.
Published Article
HeadlineTfL-Google map improvements not enough, cycling campaigners warn
Short HeadlineTfL-Google map improvements 'not enough'
StandfirstWhile the update may solve some issues, many consider current signposting for London's cycle routes to be misleading and unhelpful.
Transport for London and Google Maps have committed to make cycling in the capital safer, but campaigners and locals warn of a lack of physical signage.
Last week, Google Maps announced improved cycling directions for the city, in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL).
The partnership promises to make journeys safer, and to prioritise quieter roads when presenting routes to cyclists.
Many of London’s new cycle developments are missing from Google Maps, and this move will provide Google with more of TfL’s data.
The new update will prioritise quieter routes
How safe is navigation for cyclists in London?
A cyclist at London Bridge Station told City News that Google Maps often fails to suggest the quietest option when planning a route.
Another mentioned being led the wrong way down one-way streets.
Both cyclists look forward to the roll-out of the new update.
Many food delivery drivers rely on navigation apps to cross the city
It’s not just maps
While the update may solve some issues, many consider the signposting for London’s cycle routes to be misleading and unhelpful.
London Cycling Campaign told City News that signage in London for cyclists is a “mess” and that TfL often uses numbers for cycle routes without stating the destination, leading to confusion.
Unused or obsolete signage are also not being removed.
City News found that signs often point in the wrong direction, or were covered with stickers.
New cyclists will struggle to find their way around with confusing and unhelpful signs
Cycling UK, a charity supporting cyclists and promoting bicycle use, told City News that cycling often feels unsafe due to the volume of traffic and attitude of road users. The charity also found that two-thirds of people in the UK believe bike riding to be unsafe.
Last night, protestors in Hackney rode to call for better cycle safety after 2 young people were killed cycling in September.
Their demands included improved cycle infrastructure and lower speed limits for cars.
London Cycling Campaign argues that the most impactful way to improve the safety of cycling is to improve the safety at junctions.
Transport for London did not respond to our request for comment.
Junctions are seen as particularly dangerous, and cyclists often have to cross between cycle lanes with large vehicles.
Campaigners have warned that a collaboration between Transport for London (TfL) and Google Maps to “make cycling safer” is not addressing more important issues, such as a lack of physical signage.
Last week, Google said its Maps app had improved cycling directions for London, after working with TfL on the changes.
The partnership promises to make journeys safer and to prioritise quieter roads when presenting routes to cyclists.
Many of London’s new cycle developments are missing from Google Maps, and this move will provide Google with more of TfL’s data.
How safe is navigation for cyclists in London?
A cyclist at London Bridge Station told City News that Google Maps often fails to suggest the quietest option when planning a route.
Another mentioned being led the wrong way down one-way streets.
Both cyclists told City News they look forward to the roll-out of the new update.
Many food delivery drivers rely on navigation apps to cross the city
Cycling signage ‘a mess’
While the update may solve some issues, many consider current signposting for London’s cycle routes to be misleading and unhelpful.
The London Cycling Campaign told City News that signage in London for cyclists is “a mess” and TfL often uses numbers for cycle routes without stating the destination, leading to confusion.
Unused or obsolete signs are also not being removed.
City News found that signs often point in the wrong direction, or were covered with stickers.
New cyclists will struggle to find their way around with confusing and unhelpful signs. Credit: Jacob Perkins/City News
Safety linked to infrastructure
Cycling is a relatively safe mode of transport, with 26 fatalities per one billion travelled miles compared to 119 for motorcyclists, according to CyclingUK, a charity supporting cyclists and promoting bicycle use.
It told City News that cycling often feels unsafe due to the volume of traffic and the attitude of other road users. The charity also found that two thirds of people in the UK believe bike riding to be unsafe.
On Wednesday night, protesters in Hackney rode to call for better cycle safety after two young people were killed cycling in September.
Protesters gathered to pay their tributes to two young cyclists who died in September. Credit: City News
Their demands included improving cycle infrastructure and lowering speed limits for motor vehicles.
London Cycling Campaign argues that the most impactful way to improve the safety of cycling is to improve the safety at junctions.
Junctions are seen as particularly dangerous, and cyclists often have to cross between cycle lanes with large vehicles. Credit: Jacob Perkins/City News
Transport for London did not respond to our request for comment.
