Sutton Council’s Sustainable Transport Strategy, approved on March 19 by the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee, refers to “Sutton’s reputation as a pioneering borough for sustainable transport.”

It also says Sutton “aims to become London’s most sustainable suburb”.

Councillor Jill Whitehead’s foreword to the document continues with a mention of the great challenge of climate change.

She writes: “Here in Sutton we are determined to continue making a difference.”

In the light of these words, why are cycling facilities and infrastructure in Sutton still so poor?

Yes, there are shared cyclepedestrian paths through parks and on footpaths, but other boroughs have long abandoned such compromises and are creating something more ambitious.

We now know that Sutton Council is commissioning a new strategy for cycling, and it is hoped that this will signal a new approach.

CHARLES MARTIN
London Cycling Campaign