Southwark Spine bike route plan gets green light from cabinet

The first phase of the Southwark Spine will run from St George's Circus to Dulwich Library with extensions south to Forest Hill and north to London Bridge under consideration.

The Spine route will be designed to the same standards as Transport for London's new back-street Quietway routes and is expected to cost nearly £3.2 million. So far £2 million of funding has been allocated by the council.

"The plan gives us clear direction on the ambition to make Southwark a cycling friendly borough for young and old," said Cllr Darren Merrill, who has recently taken over cabinet responsibility for transport from regeneration boss Mark Williams.

"We are committed to increasing levels of cycling in Southwark whilst making it safer for everyone. The public consultation on cycling has proven the need to think differently about cycling and the need to involve all throughout this process.

"This plan is only the start of a very exciting new way of thinking. The consultation reached out to those who do not cycle but wished to take it up, if only there was a safe route to take, as well as the more capable that cycle already. Overall Southwark residents are in favour of the council making this investment in cycling."

• Read the Southwark Cycle Strategy in full