Sorry to make a contrary note as a Londoner but these are my experiences. I have cycled in into London on and off since 1990 and can say that the congestion charge has had little benefit for the cyclists. There are some parts of London now where the congestion is horrendous and is made up, in the majority by buses and black cabs. Of course this is a nightmare for the cyclist - at least with cars you can get around them but with buses you are stuck behind them together with the black fumes. Horrible! They are mostly empty even at peak hours (I kid you not). I counted five in the space of 1 mile towards Holborn, with a handful of people in each one. As a cyclist I have nothing good to say about the bendy bus and it would be better to have smaller buses as they would be better utilised on some routes (and less dangerous).
There have been very little provisions made for cyclist bar advanced stop lines, but I am told there are some cycle routes in South London. We still have road planners who seem to think putting a large island in the middle of the road will benefit traffic flow. I would like them to sketch on an envelop what happens to a cyclist when they are overtaken at such a pinch point (or any pinch point for that matter).
The solution to a lot of the congestion is obvious - get rid of the vast majority of traffic lights. The vast majority that are left should be used for the benefit of pedestrians. I have lost count of the number of times in London when the traffic lights are out of action and the congestion just vanishes. We could even be radical and get rid of road markings and road furniture to slow the traffic down. High vehicle occupancy lanes rather than bus lanes. I am sure there are solutions out there but I am afraid we will get more of the same.
Londoner's have turned to cycling not because of the congestion charge but because public transport is horrible - tubes packed, trains expensive and buses too slow. Of course the 7/7 bombings gave a big helping hand. So best of luck for Manchester but if you are a cyclist don't hold your breath.
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