Brent Cyclist will tell Andrew Gilligan why the streets should be turned into a ‘mini-Holland’

A team of keen Cyclists will be meeting with the capital’s new cycling commissioner in a bid to convince him that Brent is crying out for multi million pound investment in two wheeled transport.

London’s Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan will be meeting with community group Brent Cyclists as he looks to decide which boroughs will benefit from Mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s pledge to invest £900m in cycling.

Previously the Times reported that Brent Cyclists, which has around 200 members, had outlined a detailed report into why Brent should benefit and be transformed into a ‘mini-Holland’.

The report includes suggestions on transforming traffic hotspots with cycle lanes and building a connection between Neasden and Wembley, currently obstructed by the railway line and North Circular Road.

In proposals outlined at the end of March, Mr Johnson said he wanted to make a ‘tube network’ for cyclists and a series of ‘mini Hollands’ in a selection of outer London boroughs – in recognition of Holland’s cycle friendly towns.

Outer London boroughs are encouraged to apply for funding and David Arditti, co-ordinator of Brent Cyclists is hopeful the meeting could be the start of a successful bid.

He said: “We will be looking for clear, deliverable solutions for cycling from Andrew Gilligan, and cooperation and commitment from Brent Council in implementing road designs in line with best-practice from leading cycling nations such as the Netherlands.”

Also suggested in Brent Cyclist’s is creating a ‘Bradley Wiggins Way’ cycle route through Kilburn in honour of the Olympic and Tour-de-France hero who grew up in the area.

Mr Arditti added: “Cycling has massive potential for contributing to the solution of transport, health and social problems in our borough, but it will not do so unless it is made attractive to all, young and old, fit and unfit.

“We hope that Brent can win mini-Holland status, as it needs this funding to start to overhaul its many roads and junctions that are intimidating for cycling at the moment.”

The group will meet with Mr Gilligan at the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood Broadway, next Wednesday.

The meeting begins at 7pm where their official Cycling plan will also be launched.