Critical Mass London Protest: Cyclists Demand Bike Lanes in Silvertown Tunnel

Key Points:

• Around 1,000 cyclists from Critical Mass London protested the new Silvertown Tunnel, highlighting the lack of a bike lane.
• The protest took place on the northbound entrance near the O2 Arena and blocked incoming traffic for over an hour.
• The newly opened Silvertown Tunnel, costing £2.2bn, has faced criticism for not accommodating cyclists and pedestrians.
• Campaigners argue that the tunnel’s design will increase pollution, noise, and disrupt local traffic.
• Cyclists are required to use a “bike bus” shuttle service instead of riding through the tunnel, which campaigners argue is inefficient and environmentally damaging.
• Road fatalities in London have risen sharply in 2024, including an increase in cyclist deaths.

Hundreds of cyclists from Critical Mass London protest the new Silvertown Tunnel, demanding bike lanes for safety. The £2.2bn tunnel faces criticism for lack of cycling provisions and potential increased traffic noise and pollution.

What triggered the Critical Mass London protest in the Silvertown Tunnel?

Critical Mass London, a group advocating for better road safety for cyclists, organised a protest through the newly opened Silvertown Tunnel. The protest, described as a “mass trespass,” was part of ongoing campaigns against the lack of provisions for cyclists in the £2.2bn tunnel project. Around 1,000 cyclists entered the northbound entrance of the tunnel near the O2 Arena, causing a brief disruption to traffic as they blocked lanes for over an hour.

The Silvertown Tunnel, opened earlier in April by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, has been heavily criticised by transport pressure groups for excluding cyclists and pedestrians from the tunnel. Instead of providing a dedicated bike lane, cyclists are expected to rely on a free shuttle service, or “bike bus,” to traverse the tunnel. Protesters argue that this solution is inefficient, adds unnecessary emissions, and does not address the safety concerns of the cycling community.

Why are campaigners opposing the Silvertown Tunnel’s lack of bike lanes?

Campaigners have expressed concerns that the tunnel’s design favours motorists over cyclists and pedestrians. Despite the significant investment in the £2.2bn tunnel, the absence of a dedicated bike lane has sparked outrage among cyclists and local residents. Critics argue that the tunnel’s current provisions for cyclists are inadequate and will result in delays, additional emissions, and environmental damage. Moreover, the shuttle service, although free for at least one year, adds further inconvenience for cyclists.

According to the protestors, the use of a bike bus is neither a practical nor sustainable solution, as it increases the time and carbon footprint of an otherwise straightforward journey. This is particularly concerning given that the tunnel is expected to contribute to rising traffic levels across London, with motorists diverting to the tunnel to avoid congestion and tolls.

How has the Silvertown Tunnel impacted local communities?

Local residents in Greenwich, Newham, and nearby boroughs are worried about increased pollution and traffic disruption. The introduction of the Silvertown Tunnel has led to concerns that the project will exacerbate air pollution and traffic congestion in surrounding areas. Local residents have voiced their fears that the tunnel will divert more vehicles to the area, including those trying to avoid paying the toll, which will result in additional pollution and noise.

Transport for London (TfL) has reported that road fatalities in London have increased sharply in 2024, with provisional figures indicating 110 deaths, up from 102 in 2023. The increase in fatalities includes several cyclist deaths, raising concerns about road safety for cyclists, who remain vulnerable without adequate infrastructure like dedicated bike lanes.

How are road fatalities in London related to the Silvertown Tunnel?

Road fatalities in London have seen a worrying rise, with several cyclist deaths being reported in 2024. In light of the ongoing debate surrounding the Silvertown Tunnel, the safety of cyclists remains a significant concern. TfL’s statistics show a sharp increase in road fatalities in 2024, with cyclist deaths contributing to the overall rise. Many campaigners argue that the absence of proper cycling infrastructure in the Silvertown Tunnel will only exacerbate these concerns, potentially leading to more fatalities as cyclists are forced to use less safe routes.

The tragic toll of road fatalities, particularly cyclist deaths, highlights the need for stronger provisions for cyclists in major infrastructure projects like the Silvertown Tunnel. Campaigners are calling on the government to reconsider the design of the tunnel to ensure the safety of all road users, including vulnerable cyclists.

What does the future hold for cycling safety in London?

Cyclists and campaigners continue to demand better safety measures in London’s transport projects. While the protest at the Silvertown Tunnel has brought attention to the ongoing issues facing cyclists in London, it also serves as a reminder of the broader demand for improved cycling infrastructure. As road fatalities rise and local communities raise concerns about pollution and traffic disruption, there is growing pressure on the Mayor’s office and TfL to address these concerns.

The campaigners are urging the city’s leaders to prioritise the safety of cyclists by ensuring that new infrastructure projects, such as the Silvertown Tunnel, incorporate adequate provisions for bike lanes and pedestrian access. Only through such changes can London hope to reduce road fatalities and create a safer, more sustainable environment for all road users.