Goodbye & good luck

IRARELY PLAN my columns in this august organ ahead of time, trusting that a pithy thought will pop out from some tenebrous corner of my mind at the moment of need. This issue’s column, however, writes itself.

In the dozen years that I have appeared in these pages (yes, it really is that long), I’ve covered politics, cycling/transport policy, climate change, air pollution, public health, lorry danger, justice and policing, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, our obligations to future generations, urban design and quality of life, biodiversity and community resilience, jobs and economics, high street regeneration and much more besides.

However, the task of adding to (or re-exploring) these topics will now be for someone else, because I’ve decided to step down as CEO of LCC. This is therefore my last column so, as is traditional and right in such circumstances, I shall use it to offer some heartfelt thanks.

But first I’ll reflect on this: when I came into post, the best London’s decision-makers and transport authorities could offer to protect people cycling and achieve its potential in London were some strips of blue paint. Just as bad, the cycling advocacy movement was split between the ‘vehicularists’ (just get cars off the road or bypass them) and ‘segregationists’ (Dutch-style cycle lanes on main roads). Today, the Mayor, GLA and TfL, many boroughs, senior politicians of all stripes, other cities and national government are all committed to the ‘Go Dutch’ approach, and the movement is united behind it.

The high points

It’s consequently not surprising that LCC’s Love London, Go Dutch campaign in 2012 represents a real high point (among many) of my time at LCC. London is most certainly still very far from being the city we want it to be, but all of us together have displayed enormous energy, creativity, endeavour, dedication, solidarity and clarity of purpose to achieve a fabulous amount over the last decade, building on that pivotal success.

Which is why my thank yous start with LCC’s volunteer activists, including those who

Ashok Sinha Chief Executive of London Cycling Campaign

have served as trustees. You have given your time freely, in sometimes difficult, occasionally hostile, situations to advance our cause. LCC’s campaigning successes are your successes and I pay tribute to you all. I would also like to thank people in other institutions who have lobbied and advocated internally in support of that cause, and played a vital role in helping to effect the changes we have seen on our streets. You know who you are.

Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues in the LCC staff team, past and present. LCC members are blessed to have the most extraordinary, super-committed, talented and lovely bunch of people in your — nay London’s — service. The phrase ‘a pleasure and a privilege’ may be hackneyed, but it’s apposite, because that’s exactly what it’s been to work with them. Plus, an inspiration and an education too.

So goodbye and good luck. And, whether the reason you support LCC is to tackle the climate emergency, clean up our air, improve public health, civilise our streets, or simply make the roads safe enough for everyone from all areas to experience the joy of cycling, please keep doing so. I certainly shall.