Sustrans Bike Bridge: Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf Vital for London Buildable by Feasibility Study Summary March 2016

Transcription

1 Sustrans Bike Bridge: Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf Vital for London Buildable by 2020 Feasibility Study Summary March 2016

2 An artist s impression of the bike bridge courtesy of Peter Murray A bike bridge between Rotherhithe and the Isle of Dogs: vital for London, buildable by 2020 There is a gap in London that you shouldn t have to mind. A gap between the London we have and the London we want. A gap between the short, cheap and clean journeys London needs and what it has. A gap Sustrans wants to bridge. This document summarises the key findings of a Sustrans-led feasibility study into a sustainable river crossing for east London completed in February A bridge where London needs one There are 34 bridges across the Thames. Only one is east of Tower Bridge and demand is rising. London s population is growing rapidly and it is moving east. Up to 2030, one third of expected growth will take place in east London. On the Isle of Dogs alone, 110,000 new jobs will be created. Tantalisingly close, but separated by the river Thames, there will be over 4,000 new homes in Canada Water. Crossing the river today is a choice between packed Underground trains, a tunnel filled with exhaust fumes or an expensive ferry, and demand is rising. Sustrans Bike Bridge will be a real alternative exactly where Londoners need it. Canada Water 6,600 new homes by 2031 Isle of Dogs 110,000 new jobs by 2031 Connecting where people live to where they work 2

3 With a new bike bridge, Londoners will be able to get active, save money and travel between home and work quickly Changing the way people live unlocking 13,000 short, cheap and clean journeys Saving London s economy 10 million a year by slashing journey times Working with Transport for London, the Port of London Authority and partners, our study into a new river crossing for east London shows that one bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf would see 13,000 clean and healthy commutes every day from the day it opened. It will make cycling or walking a real alternative for the cross-river commute. A bridge that is car-free, emission free, free to use, open to all, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will change the way people live. For people on foot, people on bikes and people using mobility aids, the bridge will slash cross-river journey times - halving the majority of journey times for people on bikes. It will make crossing the river hassle-free for thousands of Londoners. Our study identified savings from quicker journeys amounting to nearly 10 million per year. We know this bridge will have to provide great value for money and our feasibility study demonstrates that it can. Working with an example design, our study shows the investment would repay itself nearly twice over on journey time savings alone for commuters to the Isle of Dogs. Equivalent to From or 13, full 160 full 10m Tube trains journey time clean commutes buses savings 3

4 Sustrans has demonstrated why a bridge at this location is essential, the first sustainable East London crossing is within our sights. We need to find a stunning design for our world class city to unlock growth, create new housing and jobs and get London walking and cycling. Sir Terry Farrell CBE Driven by private money for public benefit Sustrans feasibility study demonstrates significant interest from the public and private sectors. The study was made possible with funding from Transport for London and businesses. Our vision is that the final bridge will enhance quality of life for all, bringing forward private investment for public benefit. Emerson This is lovely and so needed - proposed cycling bridge at Rotherithe 7:54 AM - 24 Nov 2015 #BridgethegapLDN Sustrans study shows that the preferred landing sites on Durand s Wharf and Westferry Road provide the best location for river traffic, access and construction. 4

5 Next steps to bridge the gap Win the support of Mayoral candidates Transport for London hold a transparent, competitive and accountable design competition Fundraising drive to secure the right balance of public and private investment Secure planning permission and main contract procurement Detailed design and construction Buildable by 2020 Our study demonstrates that a bascule or lifting bridge would be favoured to cater for river traffic, while providing a pleasant walking or cycling environment. The project has backing in all the right places. Both Planning Authorities are supportive, with the proposed crossing cited in both Local Development Frameworks. HM Treasury s National Infrastructure Plan 2014 cites the project for development. London s current Mayoral candidates have made supportive statements and a new Mayor s support is essential to make this vision a reality. Matt Great proposal for a cycle and pedestrian bridge in Rotherhithe - essential for sustainable growth of East London 5:48 AM - 24 Nov 2015 #BridgethegapLDN Managed by Transport for London, the starting point will be an open, competitive and transparent design competition, to be held later this year. View the full feasibility study and register your support at: More than a third of London s anticipated population growth is expected to happen in East London and we urgently need more river crossings. So we ve been delighted to help progress Sustrans proposed cycling and walking bridge. Isabel Dedring Deputy Mayor, Transport 5

6 There is a gap in London that we don t want you to mind. A gap between the London we have and the London we want. A gap between the short, cheap and clean journeys London needs and what it has. A gap Sustrans wants to bridge. Register your support at Sustrans London 70 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6EJ Head Office Sustrans March 2016 Sustrans Registered Charity No (England and Wales) SC (Scotland) 2 Cathedral Square VAT Registration No College Green Bristol BS1 5DD