London 2012 spectators encouraged to use upgraded walking and cycle routes

Improvements, which include new cycle crossings, improved paving and lighting for safety and security, will not only help spectators travelling to the Olympic Park and other London venues, but will leave London much better connected for cyclists and pedestrians after the Games.  A variety of on and off-road routes will ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy a fantastic way of experiencing the capital.

An additional one million journeys a day are expected to be made by foot and bike in London next summer, as spectators switch from other forms of transport. It is forecast that 300,000 spectators will cycle and walk to Games venues in London next summer, with 7,000 bike parking spaces being provided for the Olympic Park alone.

The enhancements, which span 113 individual schemes server eight routes around the Olympic Park and river venues, are linked to existing networks and are part of a wider London Greenways network.  All eight routes are now structurally complete with the Hackney Parks route being the first to have new signage installed as part of a rolling programme.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and TfL today launched the London 2012 Active Travel programme (ATP) to increase the numbers of people cycling and walking before, during and after the Games.

ODA Director of Transport Hugh Sumner said: 'There has been a significant investment made by the ODA and its partners to ensure that London 2012 is truly a sustainable transport Games, with walking and cycling crucial to the overall strategy. We have worked together to deliver major improvements across London’s cycling and walking routes so that spectators can get to venues safely and on time. These enhancements will be left in place after the Games for the benefit of commuters and communities alike.'

Read the media release