A personal update from our Executive Director

Dear LCL Members,

Over the past 7+ years being involved with London Cycle Link, a lot of positive change has taken place. The cycling community in London is stronger and is made up of many new voices.  More people have been empowered to repair their own bikes at Squeaky Wheel. The conversation about the future of transportation has started to shift, with more support for walking, cycling and transit and less support for road widenings. Protected bike lanes are no longer a solution always out-of-reach; we’ve built some and have plans to build more. And there are more people riding than ever before.

I am reflecting on my time with LCL because I have accepted a job as the City’s Active Transportation Manager starting in a few weeks. I am thrilled to be able to continue the work to help Londoners ride more and am committed to doing whatever I can to make it safer and more convenient to walk or ride in London. Whether to respond to the climate emergency, to provide an affordable mobility option, to improve individual health or to support a more vibrant city, walking and cycling are the answer.

The work of education, advocacy and community-building that London Cycle Link has focused on continues to be of paramount importance. As more safe infrastructure gets built, we need to help people understand the benefits it can offer them. And to build more infrastructure or enact good policies we need a diverse and unified voice championing safe streets. If we build a strong community in the process, not only will there be encouragement and support to ride more, but it will be easier to justify the safe streets interventions we all want. I’m convinced the board, staff, members and volunteers at London Cycle Link will make significant progress on all of these fronts - and I’ll be cheering you on.

I count myself fortunate to have met so many great people through my time at LCL and I will miss the regular interactions we were able to have dearly. You have inspired me, challenged me, supported me and made this work infinitely more enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you at events, going on bike rides together or hearing from you at public meetings – please go easy on me!

Happy Riding,

Daniel Hall