Video: Gritter bike for cycle lanes

British cycle insurer, the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has developed what it claims is the world's first pedal-powered gritter. The gritter bicycle can carry 50kg of salt with which to treat cycle lanes and it has been out on a test run in London.

There is no statutory requirement for councils to grit the cycle network. Transport for London (TfL), together with the emergency services and London councils, treats “key arterial roads, cycle routes and footways around bus and railway stations, hospitals and police, fire and ambulance stations.”

As well as 39 gritters, TfL uses quad bikes, flatbed lorries and a mini road sweeper which can fit on the cycle superhighways.

We’re working hard to keep your Cycle Superhighways safe and clear during wintry weather – look out for us on your route  pic.twitter.com/Ua1H5Dl90P

— Transport for London (@TfL) January 12, 2017

However, away from the five per cent of London’s road network considered “red routes,” the responsibility lies with individual boroughs and, as just one example, most of Cycle Superhighway 1 in Hackney won’t be treated, according to the borough’s gritting map.

A spokesperson for the ETA said: “Bicycles remain the best way to beat congestion whatever the weather so it’s vital that their lanes and paths are gritted when temperatures plummet.”