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This is really a good thought. This has to be done regularly. It not only reduces the pollution but also a healthy riding for all of us which is really awesome. carinsurancetemporary.co.uk

- Aracely Pattinson, Norwich, UK, 09/07/2010 09:36
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One of the more effortless policies that Boris Johnson could take would be to stipulate that any new office space being built in London MUST HAVE showers and a changing room. The fact that there is no where to shower and change is is one of the major reasons people I know do not ride to work. Also a safe place to park the bike. A number of buildings that have car parks in the basement do not make the most of the space they have to allow more bicycles to be stored there. I have worked in 2 prominent London landmark towers in the City where these facilities have been really sadly lacking - and I have had a bicycle stolen in broad daylight in the City even when I had 2 major locks on it.

- I Love My Bike, London, 04/03/2009 13:44
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Bogota is not the only Latin American country to enjoy a Ciclovia (that's what this article is calling for). Mexico City was gridlocked with traffic even on Sundays but they've now seen sense and close roads on a Sunday. A handful of American cities are starting to do the same. Why? Because it's a civilised thing to do. The sales of 'proper' bikes went up by 900% in Bogota according to a Streetfilms report after the introduction of the Ciclovia. The streets do not belong to the ignorant in their metal boxes on wheels, they belong to the people and we're here to reclaim them on our bikes, on our skateboards and on foot. Bring it on!

- Mark, London, 19/02/2009 21:18
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When I lived in Paris, they closed a number of non-essential roads for the children to play in. It worked well and would be great in London. However, as a cyclist myself, I see no point in "closing roads for cyclists". I go further than a couple of blocks on my bike and would see no benefit in this. However, it'd be a great community thing. Closing the North Embankment for the entire summer sould be fantastic, if a little impractical!

- Nick B, Surbiton, UK, 19/02/2009 14:32
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If anyone is in any doubt as to why this would be a good idea, all you have to do is read the comments on this page, which epitomises the attitude that some car drivers have towards cyclists. I am a regular cyclist who observes the traffic regulations, i don't cycle on pavements, I dont go through red lights and I allow pedestrians priority, indeed it annoys me when pedestrians walk out in front of me and apologies it is YOUR right of way i am prepared for that eventuality. Car drivers pulling out in front of me or someone overtaking me when i'm indicating to turn right are regular occurance as are vehicles speeding along a relatively narrow road trying to intimidate cyclists coming the other way by driving dead centre of the road, which, considering the regulations state if you need to come into someones' lane you must give way, either you think there is enough room for me to pass on your right hand side, in which case there is more than enough room for you to move further to your left hand side, or you are breaking the law something which the majority of drivers don't grasp or choose to ignore. The cycle free streets will also allow pedetrians to make use of them and i am sure living streets aka the pedestrians association would be in favour. Cycling is a much underestimated mode of transport with often over estimates on the level of fitness required to do it and under estimates on the speed and accessiblity provided by the bicycle. Cycling should be the future just try it.

- John, London, 19/02/2009 14:02
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Rogan seems to think I would like to "compel" people to try not driving. That's not the case. Cycling has doubled in central London this century because when people have tried it they discover it works, it's quicker and easier than other ways of getting around. There is no compulsion here just encouraging people to dare to try something different.

What about disabled and the elderly? Hundreds of disabled people cycle in London. Many of them can ride even though they have difficulty with stairs on buses and trains. You may not notice them because when cycling they look like everyone else. We know that regular cyclists live longer and are healthier than other people, that's why there are so many cyclists in their 70s and 80s around. I once cycled to Brighton with a 77 year old. When we arrived I was exhausted but he was ready for more.

- Charlie, London, UK, 19/02/2009 12:32
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To be fair, the proposal isn't to ban all motorists from the entirety of central London, but just along select streets. Of course there would need to be some motor access for deliveries etc. This would not only benefit cyclists but also pedestrians (as well as in line skaters etc etc as mentioned).

I am frequently a pedestrian and cyclist in London (and a driver, unless I can possibly help it, driving in this snarled up city is always a last resort) and resent having to breathe fumes belched from gridlocked motor vehicles often making journeys of less than a couple of miles and having to stand for ages by the side of the road waiting for a gap in the traffic just so I can get to the other side.

Imagine how better the air would be and how much more space there would be for pedestrians if this suggestion was acted on.

- Mcw, London, 19/02/2009 09:32
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Car free sundays in the capital by closing the roads to cars, will create more congestion, annoy motorists, cost the city millions in lost productivity and above all mean that bike thieves out there will have a busy sunday.
Anyway wouldnt it be more enjoyable for cyclists if the pavements were closed to pedestrians

- Mr S.Port, London, 19/02/2009 00:26
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Motorists - you are just like smokers - killing yourselves and others with your poisonous fumes. You hate cyclists because you are jealous of our freedom - we keep fit whilst you sit in your cars and get fatter and more bitter, we know exactly how long every journey will take to the nearest minute - you don't have a clue whether your journey will take half an hour or two hours.

You shoulder the guilt of slowly killing our planet, making the lives of asthma sufferers a misery, especially poor young children coughing their guts out because of your selfishness. You kill and maim thousands of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists every year - you know that you are a death on wheels waiting to happen.

There is no good reason to drive a car in London - we have excellent public transport and most journeys you make could be cycled easily too. So stop your incessant whinging, get your fat behinds out of your car seats and take the train, or the bus or cycle or walk. You will feel so much better for it!

- Thomas, London, 18/02/2009 23:54
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1) "Close some streets" = increase the congestion in the surrounding areas, traffic moving slower, stationary for longer periods, thus even more exhaust gas released. The solution to pollution is to get all the cars where they are going to as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Alternatively, if you really hate the cars, ban them totally from your town/district, whatever... and accept the consequences in loss of trade, etc.
2) There are many people for whom - for reasons of health or age - cycling, walking and public transport are not options. (Bearing in mind that public transport will almost invariably involve a great deal of walking.)

- Nick, paris, france, 18/02/2009 22:38
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Yes I am all for cycles provided they pay the same tax and insurance as other two wheeled transport ie motor cycles they take up the same space and are the cause of a good percentage of accidents and have been known to break the speed limits. NO number plate, no prosecution.

- Wilkinson, brandon suffolk uk, 18/02/2009 21:19
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Drop this tax payers nonesense as you clearly haven't done your homework.
Loose the attitude, and ride!

- Pip, London, 18/02/2009 19:26
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when they pay insurance,road tax and obey red lights i think they may have a case.

- Malk, chingford, 18/02/2009 19:21
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Oh Sarah, I do hope you're not really upset, I was only teasing.

A 'fast' car is a little pointless in a city where the speed limit is between 20 and 30 mph. Unless of course you're suggesting you break the law by exceeding the speed limit? I'm sure you wouldn't do such a demonic thing.

For everyone else, it's true, cars are here to stay. So are bikes. We have to share the road, so let's just get on with it with the same kind of respect for each other that they manage elsewhere in the world. It can't be that hard.

- Sano, London, England, 18/02/2009 17:59
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Private motoring in London (and even in this whole country) is a mug's game. Face it, it's indefensible. Cycling, buses, trams ,trains, walking are all faster most of the time. But humans are selfish and will continue to sit and waste time in their precious cars. Wake up, it's not the 70s any more. Forget car free sundays, it'll never happen, sundays seem to be an excuse for people to get the cars out even more, losers.

- Alfred, London, 18/02/2009 17:53
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Charlie, London, UK said "Car Free Sundays in the town centres around London would allow everyone to try cycling, roller blading or just walking around quiet, clean, calm streets."

...sounds more like you're trying to 'compel' car drivers and others to do this. Just because YOU want it and YOU find it to be fun doesn't mean it will be the same for others. The selfishness is still implicit in this ridiculous suggestion.

- Rogan, Irving, 18/02/2009 17:50
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I think people are misunderstanding the article.

Its asking for some "car-free" streets for EVERYONE to enjoy - not just cyclists! It would be very different to the usual rush hour chaos, with families and tourists able to take leisurely rides in peace. why would you argue against this?

- Cyclist, london, 18/02/2009 17:48
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I am a gentleman of Indian origins who, tucked away in the confines of my Finsbury Park flat, is reading these remarks with some amusement. The (few) comments from cyclists seem to be laden with good sense and facts; the motorists amongst you seem to be incredibly angry and irritated by all this. And Sarah Bradshaw form Enfield, you seem to be on the verge of a coronary my dear.

In India, the bicycle was always a form of transport, and, as far as I know, still is. It is "green", reliable and economical - three things cars have rarely been since their invention. Your attentions are on the wrong things here - this is really just a way of squabbling with your fellow human. Anyone who rides a bike in London is much happier than those in motor vehicles. Don't be envious - join them! Bikes "rule"! God bless.

- P.A. J'Mas, London Town, 18/02/2009 17:47
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Grow up and get a life, not every one can use a cycle for various reasons. But, while we are on the subject, lets have compulsory cycle training for cyclists, compulsory Insurance, and stiffer penalties for pavement cyclists!

- Vince, London, 18/02/2009 17:45
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Yes, lets all make brash sweeping generalisations about groups of people, that's a really intellegent thing to do. I believe a bloke called hitler did the same thing within some peoples living memeory.
Greg & D Woodstock - cycling is here to stay and is only getting more popular by the day. Learn to live with it. Us cyclists also have to live with motorists who have bad attitudes like yourselves. Before you make any judgements I too am a motorist. Like they say - don't knock it till you try it. How long does it take you to get across london? I'll do it in half the time, and pay no congestion charge and for no fuel cost and get kick out of it to boot. Have fun in your traffic jam Gents.

- G, London, 18/02/2009 17:08
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I just heard on the radio, there is a pedestrian group now asking for a day where pavements are for pedestrians only.

Whatever next !!!

- Neil Grinsell, London, N8., 18/02/2009 17:07
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Hey! If the cyclists can have Sundays could everybody clear out of the Royal parks for, say, 1 hour every morning and another hour every afternoon so us dog walkers can walk our pooches in peace? And maybe the horse riders would like a slot? And what about disabled people in motorized buggies - maybe they could have a couple hours each day to ride the roads unimpeded? And how about mothers with young children? And maybe I could have a couple of my favourite stores to myself on Saturday mornings? Wow! Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we could all get our way for a while instead of having to share this crazy city?

- J Arendse, Kensington, England, 18/02/2009 16:39
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Like millions of other cyclists in Britain I have a car and I pay road tax, parking charges and insurance. All that even though I only drive once or twice a month because cycling is quicker, easier and much more fun for getting to work, shopping and socialising. Most of my road tax goes to subsidising the other drivers who block up the roads every day. Regular cyclists should get a discount on their road tax.

Car Free Sundays in the town centres around London would allow everyone to try cycling, roller blading or just walking around quiet, clean, calm streets. They might even learn to relax and enjoy travelling in London. It seems that spending too much time squashed in cars in traffic jams makes people very bad tempered, it's so unnecessary.

- Charlie, London, UK, 18/02/2009 16:36
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Greg, London, if your comment on saving the planet was in reference to mine, there was just a little wink on my part that you may have missed... other than that I very much support your proposal of 'Cyclist Free Day' from Monday - Saturday.

- Daniel, London, 18/02/2009 16:32
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Some of those people in your picture dont fit there bikes !

- Brian, Wiltshire, 18/02/2009 16:31
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I think it is a great idea. I assume it means we will also have 'Cyclist Free Day' from Monday - Saturday....!

I think that would be fantastic!!

It is not the idea of saving the planet that is the problem, it is the idiot cyclists that are the problem, for pedestrians and motorists alike!!!

Learn to obey the rules before you make any demands!!!

- Greg, London, 18/02/2009 16:05
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Sharon says stop generalising but I'm not generalising I am being very specific when I say I REALLY HATE CYCLISTS AND I WISH THEY WOULD ALL GO AWAY!!! They only get away with what they do cos they can ride off quick. If you bhaved like a lot of them do on foot or in stuck traffic you would get punch ups and road rage and that's a fact.

- D Woodstock, London, 18/02/2009 16:02
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...what about a cyclist-free Sunday....?

- Weddigen, London SW, 18/02/2009 15:52
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Sano of London - assuming I am one of "the two Enfield users" you refer to, yes I do spend a lot of time driving in central London including on Sundays due to the fact I work here on shifts which often include Sundays, thank you very much. Why you should automatically assume that someone from Enfield would not get as far as central London I do not know. Maybe because as a cyclist your little legs cannot get you as far as my nice, warm, fast car could. But then since you are a cyclist I am past caring what the likes of you thinks anyway.

- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 18/02/2009 15:52
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Being a cyclists, I would love to have that freedom, but in the end it's not worth it if going to annoyed drivers more that cyclists are only allowed on a Sundays.

After all, it's all about sharing the road, not seperating the cyclists from the road (like those bad bike lane in Bloomsbury).

- Ed Scoble, London, UK, 18/02/2009 15:43
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How sad all these negative comments on cyclists? Don't you realise they are saving the planet?

- Daniel, London, 18/02/2009 15:11
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Well dont you just love these guys why dont they insist that we have no cars any day in Central London it would make no difference to them if we did they would still race through red lights, ride to fast on pavements and abuse you for shouting at them when they nearly knock you over I HATE THEM ALL !

- Linda Cliff, London, 18/02/2009 14:50
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Bob read below.

In law, cyclists have right of way on roads; motorists must use them under licence. They are the 'guests'.

Road tax is a misleading misnomer
What misleads many drivers is 'road tax'.

Car owners pay £65–£170 per year, depending on the model, to use their machines on the roads. But it's a misnomer. 'Vehicle Excise Duty', its official name, goes directly into government coffers and does not 'pay for roads'. Arguing that cyclists therefore have less right to use the roads is like arguing that smokers should take precedence for medical treatment, because non-smokers don't buy cigarettes and therefore 'don't pay hospital tax'. (In any case, some cyclists do pay 'road tax', because they also have cars even if they don't use them all the time.)

- Paul Thompson, Crouch end, 18/02/2009 14:02
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Bob - get your facts right. 'I pay tax to use the roads, cyclists pay nothing, yet seem to think they have more rights than anyone'. Your road tax if that is what you are referring to mainly gets spent on the major roads in the UK, motorways and major arteries etc - places you will rarely find a cyclist. The roads cyclist use are predominantly funded by council tax contributions - something which pretty much all cyclists have to pay - so you have no more right to it than anybody else. Is it selfish to want to be able to stay alive cycling from A to B?

- Simon, London, 18/02/2009 13:49
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Cyclists - there's your answer then (see Speed's comment). Go to Bogota!

- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 18/02/2009 13:48
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I wonder if the two Enfield users spend a lot of time driving in London on a Sunday? Somehow I doubt it.

While there is no excuse for riding on pavements, Sarah, not ringing a bell or suggesting that central London is car free on the quietest day of the week can hardly be equated with 'extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell'

And please, the community charge/council tax (which we ALL pay) finances the upkeep of the roads, not 'Road Tax', which doesn't actually exist. Vehicle Excise Duty (commonly and incorrectly known as 'road tax') is a tax on how much your vehicle damages the environment. Personally, I think it should be abolished and replaced with a tax increase on fuel - If you drive more, you pay more

But then I expect that ranks me with the 'loony left'.

- Sano, London, England, 18/02/2009 13:36
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I'm amazed at how bitter you all are. I cycle to work, drive my car when I need to go further and often walk. As already mentioned there are always people to think they can do what they like with no consideration for others. Please lets stop generalising.
Personally I'm against the idea on pure accessibility grounds - it would exclude lots of people from enjoying London on a Sunday.

- Sharon, London, 18/02/2009 13:33
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Insurance stops you from having to pay from your own pocket if someone makes a claim against you. So if you want to claim against a cyclist, they do not need to have insurance.

Tax is based on emissions. If you want to stop paying tax, buy a more efficient car or a bicycle.

The headline is misleading. The proposal is that only certain key roads would be closed linking areas popular for cycling.

Children of virtually all ages can use a bike. There are child seats, trailers and tag-alongs that attach to a parents bike available. Obviously no one uses these in the busy roads of london, so its likely previous commentors have not seen them.

- Cyclist, london, 18/02/2009 13:30
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Haters do really need to get on their bikes.

- Trevor, ED, London, 18/02/2009 13:24
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To Sarah from London - would you care to share your definition of a selfish pedestrian?

The fact the cyclists have even asked for this is a joke. No way will they ever get it as the government would never stand for the loss in revenue from petrol sales. In any case, imagine if they did get their way with this - what would they demand next? That pedestrians stay inside their houses all day too while they whizzed around like the big kids they are? I don't think so! If they're so keen to have the streets to themselves why don't they come out at night when it's quieter? What's that? A bit inconvenient for you? Well, surprise surprise! Not using our cars so you lot can muck about would be inconvenient for us too!

- M Farbiash, Highgate, 18/02/2009 13:01
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Colombia is not known for many positive things... but one thing that it does get right is the Cilcovia... From 7 am to 2 pm EVERY Sunday, cyclist (and runners, skaters etc) take over the streets of the city centre. It is estimated that 30% of citizens make use of over 120km of carfree streets each week. It has a brilliant party atmosphere and makes a change from the traffic-choked streets found in Bogota every other day of the week.

- Speed, London, 18/02/2009 12:30
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Another crackpot idea from the selfish cyclist community. A much better idea would be to make all main roads in London cyclist free 7 days a week. Much safer for everyone. I pay tax to use the roads, cyclists pay nothing, yet seem to think they have more rights than anyone.

- Bob, Enfield, 18/02/2009 12:27
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After having the living daylights scared out of me on several occasions by cyclists who think it is OK to ride very fast on the pavement (Newsflash: IT IS NOT) and not even ringing their bell to give advanced notice of their approach, I had come to the conclusion that many of them are inherently selfish, if not actually demonic. The request to close roads to cars simply confirms this. Needless to say I do not think it should be allowed and I think the bikers should be laughed off the face of the planet for having the temerity to suggest such a breathtakingly ludicrous idea.

- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 18/02/2009 12:25
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... and can we have tax-free Sundays too?

Sorry, I've been mowed over by too many London cyclists to worry an an awful lot about their likes and dislikes.

The reality is cars are here to stay.

- Marianne, SW France, 18/02/2009 12:24
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Michael and Staker - not every cyclist does the things you're accusing them of. It's as unrealistic of accusing all car drivers of deliberately opening doors onto cyclists without looking. The truth is there are inconsiderate people on both sides of the argument. As a cyclist who does pay attention to traffic signals, the uncharitable part of me secretly wishes for people who zoom straight through the red lights get knocked off.

Better enforcement is clearly needs but that's hard to do and it would have to apply equally. For example, have either of you ever stopped in the ASL sections at the lights?

As for costs... I doubt much of your road tax actually goes on roads.

- Simon, London, 18/02/2009 12:21
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Another example of those who pay no tax, insurance or pass any test telling us how to drive/ride.
They'll be complaining about motorcycles in bus lanes next...oh hang on.

- Neil, London, 18/02/2009 12:02
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P Stalker makes the usual uninformed comment regarding road tax. Motorists don't pay road tax either - that went out in the 1930s - they pay vehicle tax. This money goes into a central pot and certainly isn't enough to cover all the maintenance of the road system - money comes out of general taxes which are paid by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

- K Sheppard, London, 18/02/2009 12:01
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if they are scared of being knocked down ride your bike in a park thats what they are there for.

constantly wanting more when they contribute nothing. if this goes ahead all motorist should stop paying road tax since we have no say and are being constantly put out

- Cassandra, london. uk, 18/02/2009 11:54
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Sorry but not all cyclists are selfish, same as not all drivers or pedestians are selfish...you will get people from all three areas who think the law doesn't apply to them...as a cyclist would much prefer to see safer lanes for cyclists with everyone respecting each other on the roads instead of this car ban on Sundays....guess that's too much to expect these days eh

- Sarah, London, 18/02/2009 11:46
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Not much use for families whose youngest child can't ride a bike yet, is it? Especially given the reduced service on public transport. Perhaps some of the National Collections - The Science Museum, the V&A, The Natural History Museum, The Crown Jewels, The National Gallery, etc, which so many people take their children to see in London at the weekends, should be moved outside of the Capital so the rest of the nation can access them as easily as Londoners do . . .

- Roz, Chamonix, France, 18/02/2009 11:20
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So does this mean the elderly or disabled who cannot ride bikes are effectively banned from the area? So it is good for families as long as you leave the grandparents behind.
Selfish cyclists!

- Douglas, London, UK, 18/02/2009 11:19
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Who are these "cyclists"? Are they even cyclists or some government think tank? Every cyclist I know wouldn't want to cycle in the capital at weekends, they'd much rather go cycling in the country, personally I catch a train and cycle the North and South Downs.

- Bob, Cheam, 18/02/2009 11:01
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Is it April 1st already ?

They pay nothing in but want to take out, and with this little idea take a lot.

Why would motorists want to be inconvenienced on Sunday's when it's the motorist that pay road tax, for the upkeep of the roads.

And wont they just ride on pavements as usual anyway ?

Cyclists will never be liked by the general public, until they start acting less selfishly.

- P Staker, London, 18/02/2009 10:54
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I am all for this if they instigate cycle free weeks. Then I will be able to cross the road and walk on the pavement without having to dodge cyclists who have no appreciation of the highway code!

- Michael, London, 18/02/2009 10:41
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Who do these people think they are. They do not pay road tax, do not have to take a test to prove their ability to ride a bicycle so want the roads to themselves as they are inept on road safety. If they cannot ride sensibly stay at home. Perhaps they could spend their time more profitably by helping out in their local community which I am sure would give more satisfaction than driving tax payers off the road!!!!!!! They too have lives at weekends.

- Anon, UK, 18/02/2009 10:25
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...and they can keep calling whilst being ignored by the majority of us who have to get about.

- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 18/02/2009 10:08
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Sure and they can then pay insurance, road tax etc for use of the roads. An old argument but perfectly valid. Tell you what, we can follow this up with a bike free day.

- Ed, London, 18/02/2009 10:03
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