Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 26 February 2021.
The Walking and Cycling Commissioner heralded a new gritter, Chris Gritty, as part of the machinery necessary to support London’s cycle network on Friday 5 February. However, it seems from reports on the ground and images from the Transport for London (TfL) traffic camera network that major new cycleways such as Cycleway 4 were left with snow and ice in place. Can you explain the frequency and level of treatment you are using on cycleways in London, and confirm which routes are covered?
Transport for London (TfL) cycle lanes are treated at the same frequency as the nearby carriageway. TfL uses three cycleway mini-gritters, including Chris Gritty, which are fitted with liquid de-icer spreaders, brushes and ploughs. TfL cycle lanes can sometimes appear not to have been treated because they do not experience heavy vehicle tires turning fresh snow into slush and instead are only used by lightweight thin bicycle tires. TfL does use brushes to help with this perception issue but it is not always possible to keep them fully brushed. However, routes are always well treated for icy conditions, with the de-icer working to around -20 degrees. The liquid de-icer used is Safecote SupaMix Clear which is over 50 percent less corrosive than rock salt.