'Match our ambition': Sustained investment call after Healthy Streets success

Transport for London and the Mayor of London are being urged to back Richmond upon Thames with sustained investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, after the borough was confirmed as one of Outer London’s strongest performers for healthier, safer and more sustainable streets.

The call follows the publication of the eighth annual Healthy Streets Scorecard, which shows Richmond has the highest walking rate in London, with almost half (45%) of adults walking regularly, and the highest cycling participation of any Outer London borough, at 23.9%.

Despite operating without the scale of transport funding available to many Inner London boroughs, Richmond has continued to deliver strong outcomes, with sustainable transport use remaining high by Outer London standards and pedestrian casualty rates among the lowest in the capital.

The 2026 results reflect years of practical, evidence-led work to make streets safer and healthier, including borough-wide 20mph limits, early adoption of rental e-bikes, support for cargo bike use, new pedestrian crossings, and record investment in the pedestrian environment.

But, while Richmond’s active travel outcomes are among the strongest in London, its level of protected cycle track remains comparatively low, reflecting a long-standing funding gap, said Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee and Deputy Leader of Richmond Council. 
 
"If London is serious about helping more people in Outer London to walk and cycle, Richmond is ready to help lead the way," he said.

"We have already shown that targeted investment, strong partnerships, and innovative thinking can deliver measurable results. 
 
"Now we need City Hall and TfL to match Richmond’s ambition with sustained investment, backing a borough that has already shown it can turn limited resources into better outcomes for residents.

"Imagine what could be achieved if that culture of innovation and delivery were matched by the level of infrastructure funding available to many Inner London boroughs."

Councillor Ehmann added that the latest Healthy Streets results show what can be achieved when a council is clear about its priorities, listens to residents and makes every pound of public money work hard.

"These results are not accidental,” he said.

"They are the product of years of practical improvements that make a real difference to people’s daily lives, from safer speeds and better crossings to cleaner travel choices and more pleasant public spaces.

"On road safety, Councillor Ehmann added: “Richmond combines exceptionally high levels of walking and cycling with some of the safest streets in London, something few boroughs can claim.

"We have the lowest pedestrian casualty rate per walking journey in London, while also maintaining strong cyclist safety despite having the highest cycling rate of any Outer London borough. That proves increasing active travel and improving road safety go hand in hand.

"These results reflect years of investment in safer speeds, better crossings and practical improvements that give more people the confidence to walk and cycle.

"Now we need to build on that success with the strategic cycling infrastructure that will enable even more residents to choose healthier, safer and more sustainable ways to travel."

Overall, the Healthy Streets results reveal that Richmond is the second best performing outer London borough.

The Healthy Streets Scorecard assesses London boroughs against indicators including walking and cycling rates, sustainable transport use, road casualties, 20mph speed limits, controlled parking, bus priority, School Streets, and protected cycle tracks.