I think the idea of 12 fast cycle routes into/out of Central London is excellent, but a good concept needs equally good implementation. How's it looking on the eve of the launch?
Let's get the obvious out of the way. Cycle Superhighway 7 is only intended to be such for 15 weeks a week each way (M - F 7 - 10am inbound; 4 - 7pm outbound). The rest of the time it's fine to park motor vehicles in much of it, making those part of it as effective as a chocolate teapot for the equivalent of 6 5/8 out of 7 days.
So, what about those 15 hours per week?
Cyclists are expected, due to a bus stop and coach parking, to change lane and merge with motor vehicles zooming south over Southwark Bridge.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJdvtGxpcPPDiI99D_FfnDDTlbEcLhIzNJlATj7MmdQDfYtCsa7xINyilbjS-K-YvGPVAhhVweONuw-5rr4J3WzObOoykj2pjaPQ8u8yQ2wrS6xq0ABBiw9zzVU18lP5kw_xabUiw4pLo/s400/Photo0953.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq_tubMaWAmBAQehdkZjjEq60yitXmwizWPbBP7bvjdRreuHIrLjPJcxDRiJbuq1OHSZSHiGUtDVZoi951w9wxgevAFvmN2qTEVspDR8WNXN4SEpy0ldKe3759W0ZzQjPCbj0FMKwdbXK/s400/Photo0943.jpg)
I think that says all that needs to be said about the commitment that Cycling Superhighways will be;
"Comfortable - We'll be improving road surfaces and minimising obstructions along the routes so you can pedal more comfortably."
"Safe - The Cycle Superhighways will be at least 1.5m wide and provide continuous cycle lanes at junctions, advanced stop boxes, and signals to help you keep safe."
Now, I wonder who has priority - the bus coming into stop or the cyclist in what was their lane?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcTiyEL45bD7P80SoJEsa56FoJidaVvgOz0sJeCf1swsjTuQKfi2hduP60vEc3kw4JO5O11tub29pU7HT98U4kb2OSPoNZKQOXrG4NhgTD9MC0CtVzhipSYbM61dwAibqJ2Oyp2NzPxSo/s400/Photo0951.jpg)
And what are these buses that are so crucial they must have a stop right there?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJcUL8U5T6aEeyHFx_0BNQhNKYOgAiVmDSouDWNNFG6TpO4uUBofrqMBmib3oo7uJTXAn-D5lEw5ALZPrzNg7YWnLeBJ3tT868nu_oMAWUznEr1epdCZ-OUrVIyvWcFwSzPG3fuE4dbkA/s400/Photo0959.jpg)
It seems clear that the Cycling Superhighways aren't about prioritising cycling.