TfL Unveils New Walking and Wheeling Strategy to Transform London Streets

Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London have launched a new long-term Walking and Wheeling Action Plan aimed at reshaping streets across the capital to encourage more people to travel actively.

The strategy sets out how TfL and London boroughs will work together over the next decade to improve walking routes, accessibility and public spaces while supporting the wider growth of active travel.

Boroughs central to delivery

Because the majority of London’s roads are managed by borough councils rather than TfL, the success of the programme will depend heavily on collaboration between local authorities and City Hall.

The plan is intended to help boroughs identify priority areas for investment and deliver schemes that respond to the needs of local communities.

TfL said the objective is to create streets that are safer, more inclusive and easier to navigate for all users, particularly children, older people and those with mobility challenges.

Supporting healthier and more sustainable travel

The strategy forms part of the Mayor’s wider ambition for 80% of journeys in London to be made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041.

Officials said encouraging more walking and wheeling could deliver significant public health benefits while also supporting local businesses, town centres and economic activity.

“Wheeling” refers to travelling at walking pace using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and similar mobility devices.

Expansion of School Streets and 20mph zones

One of the major elements of the plan includes continued expansion of School Streets schemes across London.

TfL said more than 800 School Streets are already operating across the capital, creating temporary vehicle restrictions outside schools during drop-off and pick-up periods.

The new action plan proposes introducing blanket 20mph speed limits across all School Streets locations, alongside associated road closures designed to improve safety around schools.

Nearly half of London’s schools are now participating in the Travel for Life programme, with more than 1,000 schools achieving Gold accreditation.

Major public realm improvements underway

Several significant walking-focused infrastructure projects are also progressing across central London.

TfL highlighted ongoing improvements around Lambeth Bridge, including upgrades to surrounding junctions and refurbishment works on the bridge itself aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Since the publication of the Mayor’s first Walking Action Plan in 2018, TfL said it has also:

• Added a new 15-mile Green Link Walk route

• Supported over 100,000 Londoners through walking and cycling grant programmes

• Delivered new and upgraded pedestrian crossings

• Reduced pedestrian waiting times at traffic signals

• Improved management of street works to reduce disruption

  
  

Addressing barriers to walking

TfL director of transport strategy Christina Calderato said many Londoners are still discouraged from walking due to concerns over safety, inaccessible streets and poor crossing facilities.

She said the new strategy is designed to make everyday walking journeys easier and more attractive, whether travelling to schools, transport hubs or local high streets.

According to TfL, the long-term goal is to ensure London’s streets are designed to better support healthier, safer and more sustainable travel choices across the city.