The Government has poured millions of pounds into improving transport in and around the capital as part of the long-term legacy of the games.

But, with events due to be staged at venues all over the capital the opportunity to encourage millions of Londoners to walk or cycle is not being exploited.

Speaking at the Foreign Policy Centre’s ‘Access and Inclusion… Delivering the Green Games’ Mrs Jowell admitted no targets were in place, making it impossible to commit to other infrastructure such as cycle racks.

The event last night (15 July) at the Houses of Parliament was to discuss how major sporting events can move beyond iconic infrastructure to leave a sustainable legacy.

She said: “As to targets for cycling and walking … we’re not setting specific targets.”

With the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, committed to plans originally announced by his predecessor, Ken Livingstone, to place 6,000 free rental bikes across London’s nine inner boroughs Mrs Jowell seems to be ignoring the benefits of cycling for the games.

Mr Johnson’s director of transport policy, Kulveer Ranger, at the same event commented on the lack of a sustainable travel plan.

He said: “It’s not there as a fully fledged policy and it needs to be.”

Luke Walsh

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