Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, has called on Greenwich Council Leader Chris Roberts to provide an alternative river crossing for hundreds of cyclists when the Greenwich Foot Tunnel closes for up to 18 months for renovation. Cyclists and pedestrians are also threatened with the closure of the 'sister' Woolwich Foot Tunnel at the same time.
Cllr Pidgeon met a group of cyclists at the Cutty Sark outside the south entrance to the Foot Tunnel with Liberal Democrat group leader on Greenwich Council Brian Woodcraft, Cllr Paul Webbewood, and Lib Dem councillors from Lewisham.
After using the lift and inspecting the Tunnel, Caroline Pidgeon said:
"Chris Roberts and Boris Johnson cannot just leave hundreds of cyclists who depend on the Foot Tunnel to get to work every day without an alternative. They face either biking many extra miles to cross Tower Bridge or to use the Woolwich Ferry. The Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels are too dangerous for cyclists and DLR rules do not permit bikes. The Council and the Mayor must find a workable alternative."