Climate safe streets ask 5: Shared mobility

By 2026, every resident of Westminster will live within an easy distance of an electric vehicle car club and a shared cycle hub, so that most households do not need to own a car.

Car ownership in Westminster

Two-thirds of Westminster residents do not own a car. The average car is parked for 96% of the time. This means that many of the cars in Westminster could be replaced by an electric vehicle car club, which is a much more efficient use of a car and all the materials that go into making it. One car club can replace more than ten cars. Car clubs could free up space for other uses and reduce car parking pressure for those who really need a space.

Car clubs are also much cheaper than owning and maintaining a car, which would help current car owners with the cost of living crisis.

Santander cycles in Westminster

Shared cycle hubs are another great way to make transport options more affordable and accessible. A year’s subscription to the Santander Cycles costs £90. This is cheaper than buying a bike and £50 cheaper than just a one month Zone 1-2 pass on the underground. Shared cycles also tackle other common barriers to starting to cycle, like storing a cycle in a small flat, a lack of on-street storage, and fear of theft. There needs to be more Santander cycles in the north of Westminster, in particular.

Benefits of shared mobility

We are asking whoever is elected at the next election to make shared cycle hubs and car clubs accessible for all. This can help to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, make cycling more affordable and accessible, and free up kerb space for other uses than just storing private cars – whilst letting people still have access to a car when they need one. More shared mobility options can help with both the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis.