Mayor’s Big Community Transport Tour launches in Redbridge

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, and Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, recently visited Redbridge to launch the Big Community Transport Tour.

The Big Community Transport Tour is part of City Hall's commitment to working with boroughs to deliver a greener, fairer London for all.

The Tour, the first of its kind, will enable the Mayor of London and his deputies to reflect on the transport-focused progress made under the Mayor's first two terms, which has seen City Hall, TfL, and the boroughs work together to deliver a more accessible, sustainable and affordable transport system.  

Following a successful pilot in Hounslow in late 2024, this new initiative was formally launched at Ilford, with Redbridge Leader Cllr Kam Rai, Ilford Business Improvement District, London Assembly members, transport, accessibility, and community stakeholders from across London. 

The Deputy Mayor and Walking and Cycling Commissioner took part in a 'walk and talk' around Ilford town centre with Redbridge Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Jo Blackman. They discussed the positive impact of the Superloop express bus service and Elizabeth line on the borough before hosting a roundtable with community stakeholders to hear their views on transport in the borough.

The event also marked the conclusion of Redbridge's Sustainable Transport Strategy consultation, where residents and community organisations shared their views on the future of transport in the borough.

In collaboration with TfL, Redbridge aims to deliver a range of road safety initiatives to support Vision Zero and enhance active travel infrastructure, making walking and cycling safer and more accessible, reflecting the Mayor's Transport Strategy and broader goals for London. 

Also speaking at the event was the LGBTQ+ group Redbridge Rainbow, who received a Walking and Cycling grant from TfL last year to deliver 'Redbridge Rainbow on the Move!', a project that focuses on people from the LGBTQ+ community coming together to explore their local area, increase confidence in walking, build social connections and improve participants' mental and physical wellbeing

They were joined by other local TfL Walking and Cycling Grant recipients, including The Wild Bunch Cyclists, Gapped Cycling CIC and Newham LCC Group, and led a guided group walk to nearby Valentines Park with the Deputy Mayor and other event attendees.

At each stop on the Big Community Transport Tour, The Deputy Mayor and Walking and Cycling Commissioner will walk, cycle, and take the bus, tube, and tram around local communities. They discuss transport priorities with local elected representatives and engage with community stakeholders during roundtable discussions and site visits.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance said: "London's communities should be helping drive and shape our transport strategy, and I am committed to spending time in boroughs – particularly in outer London - to see first-hand both the successes and challenges in delivering a world-class transport system for Londoners. I'm pleased to get this Tour on the road, and I look forward to visiting all corners of the capital to find out how we can best serve them and ensure they feel connected to all our great city has to offer as we build a greener, fairer London for everyone." 

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "It was a pleasure welcoming the Deputy Mayor for Transport and Cycling Commissioner to Redbridge to see the improvements we've made in making transport safer, greener and more accessible. The Elizabeth Line has significantly enhanced our connectivity with the rest of London. This improved transport network is key to attracting potential investment partners and delivering vital growth and regeneration to the borough. 

“Redbridge has delivered several road safety, walking, and cycling schemes and expanded EV charging coverage, delivering an integrated transport network with the Central Line, Elizabeth Line, and bus network that runs through our borough. We look forward to working in partnership with TfL and the Mayor's Office to continue improving travel around Redbridge." 

Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, said: "Working closely with London's boroughs and their local communities is central to achieving a cleaner, greener and healthier London. That's why we're working with communities across the capital to reduce road danger, improve air quality and encourage active travel, building on local experience and expertise to improve our transport networks.

"We look forward to meeting residents on the Big Community Transport Tour, hearing their views on transport in their area and integrating feedback into future planning and engagement.”