> IMO we should focus less on distinct cycling routes, and more on making road junctions safer for cyclists. While it's no big deal for experienced cyclists, m

> IMO we should focus less on distinct cycling routes, and more on making road junctions safer for cyclists. While it's no big deal for experienced cyclists, mixing with motor traffic on busy roads is a big psychological barrier for those who are new and less-experienced. For that reason, distinct cycle lanes, when built to a sufficiently high standard, result in significant increases in cycle uptake. More cyclists on the road means more safety for everyone, because drivers are more likely to look out for (and behave more considerately towards) cyclists when there are more of them about and cycling becomes "normalised". Of course, none of this is an excuse for building crappy, useless cycle lanes. We have enough of those in the UK. Thankfully things are improving: London is worlds away from where it was even 5 years ago thanks to investments in infrastructure that is genuinely safe and useful. Hopefully some of the best new cycle infrastructure there (the new Cycle Superhighway along Victoria Embankment to Tower Hill, for example) can serve as a model for future investments in other UK cities.