Speaking for the London Assembly in response to figures showing that in the last year cycling casualties on the road have risen by 18%, and pedestrian casualties by 15%, Caroline Pidgeon said:
“There is nothing inevitable about cycling and pedestrian collisions resulting in death or serious injury. Cyclists are three-and-a-half times more likely to be killed in Britain than in the Netherlands.
Commenting in the Evening Standard on figures showing that Cycle Hire usage is down for the fourth consecutive month - and 30% down compared to a year ago - Caroline Pidgeon said:
“A combination of poor performance in the running of the wcycle hire scheme and a hike in the membership fee for using the bikes has obviously turned many people away. I expect the recent cycle fatalities have also contributed to the fall in people who wish to hire bikes.
“The long-term success of cycle hire relies on the scheme’s sponsor contributing far more and for action to sort out the redistribution of bikes across the docking stations. Ensuring London’s roads are far safer is the final ingredient for turning around the recent dismal usage figures.”
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the 2014 fare package that has finally been published today, said:
“At long last the Mayor has finally done the right thing this year and ensured that fares rise on average by no more than the rate of inflation. After so many painful years of inflation busting fare rises this is the very least the Mayor should be doing to help Londoners.
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on the consultation results for Crossrail 2 showing 95% support for the scheme, said:
“It is great news that there is such overwhelming support for this much needed new rail link between south west and north east London.
Commenting on figures showing that the Metropolitan Police is failing to answer more than 20% of Freedom of Information requests within the legal deadline, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"The Met are showing such a casual attitude in answering freedom of information requests and is failing to meet basic legal requirements in more than one in five requests they receive.
"The Met should set an example in observing the law, sadly they have an appalling record in implementing legislation that has been in existence for over 13 years.”
