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A series of cycling superhighways were announced yesterday by the Mayor of London, as well as a bike hire scheme similar to that which runs in Paris.

As a fairly new cyclist, navigating my way from Peckham to Liverpool Street and back on most days, the scheme sounds excellent and one that will inevitably contribute to making London, at least, a healthier (and environmentally friendlier) place to live. Is everyone as happy as me? Erm, no. London Councils has moaned it wasn't consulted on the plans before they were launched (despite the fact the plan was covered by the Guardian on Saturday).

Far from being a valid concern, London Councils' worrying only serves to show (a) the need for a strategic overview in complex urban areas and an associated (and appropriate) level of power to do something about it, as represented by the Mayor, and (b) that if you want something done, you don't necessarily go to your local authority about it.

When everyone else was happy enough with the announcement, why did London Councils decide getting coverage for their organisation was worth sounding a warning bell that wasn't even there to be rung in the first place?

Tags — General Interest