Seconding a London Assembly motion calling for consideration to be given to a permanent 20mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge, Caroline Pidgeon commented:
“A third of the peak time traffic across Blackfriars Bridge are cyclists and we already know that they are at significantly more risk when travelling across bridges than they are on similar city roads. That’s why we want Transport for London (TfL) to take a robust look at the safety of all users on Blackfriars Bridge and for the Mayor to use the facts to put safety first."
The motion, passed by the Assembly on 20th July, reads:
This Assembly notes the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also note the recent decision of the Corporation of London to consider plans for the whole of the City of London to become a 20 mph zone, and understand that if they take this decision they would be likely to ask Transport for London to agree to make TfL roads 20 mph.
This Assembly asks that the Mayor instructs TfL to implement a full review investigating the practicalities, advantages and disadvantages of a 20 mph limit on Blackfriars Bridge. The review should include previous TfL reports, such as that on 20 mph speed limit on London’s Thames bridges and also the effect of such a change on all road users (including pedestrians) north, south or on the bridge itself.
Meanwhile, TfL should keep under review the decision to revert to a 30 mph speed limit on Blackfriars Bridge. We also urge the Mayor to revisit the plans for the bridge with particular attention to cyclists making right turns when exiting the bridge at either end.
You can see a video of the Assembly session here (this motion is discussed starting around 1:56:40 on the video).