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We’ve seen a lot in the press and on twitter about walking and cycling measures in London, including some strong opposition. Here in Southwark we have a new Council Cabinet, so we need your help to ensure councillors are aware of the support for Southwark’s Streetspace plan. Our monthly meeting is also next week where we’ll make an exciting announcement.

Southwark Council’s New Cabinet

Southwark has elected a new Leader of the Council, Keiron Williams, and he is joined by a new cabinet. We thank Councillor Richard Livingstone for his work with us in his role as Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and the Climate Emergency.

The transport portfolio has been split amongst two cabinet members, Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Planning & Transport, and Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment & Roads. They are also joined by Radha Burgess, who is acting as Deputy Cabinet Member for Low Traffic.

We congratulate the councillors on their new roles and look forward to working with them to enable active travel across Southwark. With a potential second lockdown, and the continuing crises of the Climate Emergency and dangerous levels of air pollution, there is a lot to be done. The council has made a great start with their Streetspace programme, including low traffic neighbourhoods in Walworth and East Dulwich, upgrading Cycle Superhighway 7, and creating space for people walking and cycling on Rye Lane and in Dulwich Village.

We want the new Cabinet to understand the need for bold action across the borough. Tell them you’d like to see more Streetspace measures, particularly low traffic neighbourhoods and protected cycleways. We’ve created this easy to use guide to contact them.

Ensure our Streetspace measures stay

While Streetspace measures are rolled out across London, many are under attack. Groups have formed opposing these measures, and we’ve seen waves of vandalism, protests led by trucks that shouldn’t be allowed on London’s roads, harassment of campaigners and even death threats to councillors.

Wandsworth Council rolled back their low traffic neighbourhood trial after just two weeks. It’s very important that we let the new Southwark Cabinet know you support and want more measures in your area. Ask your friends and neighbours to do the same.

There is a risk in having these great schemes rolled back, so make sure your voice is heard.

How can we get Better Streets in Southwark?

Our next Monthly Meeting is on Wednesday 14 October at 6:30pm. Clare Rogers from London Cycling Campaign and Better Streets for Enfield will be speaking about her campaign work with Better Streets in Enfield and Kensington and Chelsea.

Come to find out how we can get Better Streets in Southwark and we’ll be announcing our exciting new initiative. The meeting will be held online over Zoom. If you’d like to attend, email us at Southwark@lcc.org.uk and we’ll send you an invite.

Join Southwark Cyclists

Campaigning for better streets and encouraging active travel has never been more important. We have some exciting volunteer roles. If you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved, join our next meeting or send us an email at Southwark@lcc.org.uk. New officer roles will be selected at our AGM on Wednesday 11 November at 6:30pm.

Thanks for reading. Stay safe and happy cycling,

Jakub