Darren said, "Cycling is good way to get around London and we must make cycling a safe and normal mode of transport in London. I want to see 10% of all journeys by bicycle in London by 2005. Over half of London’s Boroughs fail EU pollution standards and we must encourage people to use non-polluting forms of transport."
Ten point action plan for cycling
Set a target of 10% of all journeys by cycle in London by 2008 Immediately quadruple the Transport for London cycling budget Complete the London Cycle Network and ensure all routes are safe and direct Set up a Green Route Patrol for enforcement of cycling facilities and safety Shift 20% of all police officers out of patrol cars and onto bikes Reduce the 30 mph speed limit to 20 mph Safe routes to schools for all London school children by 2008 Regular car free Sundays on main streets in London Bring the Tour de France to London Secure parking for bicycles in all new housing and commercial developments
Darren concluded, "Following the reports today of Government interference in hiding the latest transport pollution figures which show an increase of 85% in pollutants from the airline industry and 59% for freight industry, it is more important than ever that Green Party transport plans are put into practice. Yesterday I launched my canals policy calling for more freight to be carried on London’s canals and I have made a commitment to stop any new runways or roads being built in order that London can become a city of sustainable excellence."
NOTES TO EDITORS
· Darren Johnson is 38 and was selected as the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London in May 2003. He was elected to the London Assembly in May 2000 where he is Leader of the Green Party Group. He was also elected to Lewisham Council in May 2002.
· The Mayoral election will be held on June 10th at the same time as the elections for the London Assembly and the European Parliament. At the last Assembly elections the Greens scored one of their best ever results in the Party’s history, securing 11.1% of the vote across London and winning three seats on the 25-member Assembly.
· Darren Johnson’s vision for a sustainable Green London can be found on his website www.johnsonformayor.org.uk
· Jean Lambert is London’s Green Member of the European Parliament and she is No 1 on the list for the London Green Party. Her website is www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
· Green Party Assembly Members are Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Deputy Mayor Jenny Jones AM and Noel Lynch AM