Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance and Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman Launch City-Wide Initiative to Engage Communities.

The Big Community Transport Tour, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at involving London’s diverse communities in shaping the city’s transport network, officially launched in Redbridge today. Led by Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance and Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman, the tour will visit every London borough throughout 2025.

Organized in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), the tour's inaugural stops focus on Outer London, beginning with Hounslow, Redbridge, Richmond, and Croydon.

A vision for a greener, fairer London

The Big Community Transport Tour reflects City Hall’s ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible transport system for all Londoners. Over the past two mayoral terms, the city has made significant strides in delivering a greener, fairer, and more connected capital.

Following a successful pilot event in Hounslow in late 2024, the tour officially began this morning in Ilford. Deputy Mayor Seb Dance and Commissioner Will Norman were joined by Redbridge Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai, Ilford South MP Jas Athwal, representatives from the Ilford Business Improvement District, London Assembly members, and key transport and community stakeholders from across the capital.

Community engagement in action

During the Redbridge launch, the Deputy Mayor and Walking and Cycling Commissioner participated in a "walk and talk" through Ilford town centre alongside Redbridge Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Jo Blackman. They discussed the positive impacts of transport improvements such as the Superloop express bus service and the Elizabeth line. Later, a roundtable discussion with community stakeholders explored local transport challenges and opportunities.

The event also marked the culmination of Redbridge’s Sustainable Transport Strategy consultation, which sought resident feedback on enhancing transport safety, sustainability, and accessibility. TfL and Redbridge Council aim to advance Vision Zero and expand active travel infrastructure, making cycling and walking safer and more appealing for residents.

Community projects in the spotlight

Local LGBTQ+ group Redbridge Rainbow, a recipient of TfL’s Walking and Cycling Grant, shared insights from their project, “Redbridge Rainbow on the Move!” The initiative promotes walking, social connection, and wellbeing within the LGBTQ+ community. Other TfL grant recipients, including The Wild Bunch Cyclists, Gapped Cycling CIC, and Newham LCC Group, also participated, leading a guided group walk to Valentine’s Park with the Deputy Mayor and event attendees.

Connecting communities across London

The Big Community Transport Tour will feature various activities in each borough, including walking, cycling, and using local public transport. Seb Dance and Will Norman will meet with elected representatives and community groups to address local transport priorities and highlight the tangible benefits of City Hall initiatives, such as:

- Expanding the Superloop 2 bus network.

- Increasing the number of electric buses.

- Installing more school streets.

- Enhancing electric vehicle and cycling infrastructure.

Looking ahead

The tour will continue in early 2025, with upcoming stops in Richmond, the City of London, and Croydon. By Autumn 2025, all London boroughs will have participated in the initiative. The tour will conclude with a City Hall event, bringing together stakeholders from across London to review insights gathered during the year and outline how the feedback will shape future transport plans.

This initiative underscores the Mayor’s commitment to ensuring every Londoner’s voice is heard in building a transport network that works for everyone.

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 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.” 

Tom Fyans, Chief Executive of London Cycling Campaign said:  "What if every Londoner who wanted to, could cycle in safety? If everyone, no matter where they lived, had safe, high-quality cycle routes near them that reached from near their homes to shops, tube stations, schools and more? That were good and safe enough kids, mums and grandparents could use them? That's a future LCC is campaigning for and one the Mayor of London and an increasing list of London boroughs are committed to. We can't wait for this community transport tour to reach every borough, and we want every council leader in London to join in helping our capital change for the better." 

 Jeremy Leach, Chair of London Living Streets said: “London’s 33 boroughs control 95% of London’s roads and are vital to help London hit the Mayor’s targets for lots more people to be active and for our streets and roads to be safe places to walk and spend time. Redbridge is an ideal place to start the Transport Tour with its great town centres and high streets and green spaces close by for leisure walks. We look forward to Living Streets local groups from across London being involved as the tour visits each of the boroughs.” Photo by Sunil060902, Wikimedia commons,