TfL sets out proposals for major new Cycleway in east London
Proposals have been unveiled by Transport for London (TfL) which could see the transformation of roads in the boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
TfL are inviting people to have their say on plans which would see a new cycle route connecting the 7.5km from Hackney to the Isle of Dogs , and include a raft of improvements that TfL believe will make the local area cleaner, safer, and more welcoming to pedestrians.
Neighbourhoods including Victoria Park, Mile End and Limehouse would also see improved public and green spaces, including new trees, with new pedestrian crossings making walking easier and safer.
The proposed upgrades include:
Segregated cycle tracks on Burdett Road and West India Dock Road, providing a dedicated space for people who want to cycle
Safety improvements along the route including improvements at junctions, traffic calming and a new 20mph speed limit along Burdett Road
Two new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings and upgrades to existing pedestrian crossings along the route,
New and improved public and green spaces, including new paving, trees and planting
Traffic reduction measures to improve cycle safety, including restricting Grove Road through Victoria Park to bikes, buses and taxis between 7am and 7pm
Links to existing cycling routes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets including CS2, CS3 and Q2
Changes to some bus stop layouts and locations, including introduction of new bus stop bypasses for people cycling
Changing entry to and exit from some side roads along the route
Road resurfacing providing improvements for people walking and cycling as well as for buses and general traffic
Upgrading pavements to improve comfort for people walking
The consultation is currently open for people to have their say on the project at tfl.gov.uk/cycleway until 21 June. London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: 'For the health and prosperity of our city it is essential we get more people walking and cycling as part of their everyday routine. 'These exciting plans not only include a new high-quality cycle route connecting the busy streets of Hackney and the Isle of Dogs, but include a raft of improvements that will make the local area cleaner, safer, and more welcoming to get around on foot. 'I encourage anyone living or working in the area to look at the plans and give us their views.' David Hughes, TfL's Director of Investment Delivery Planning, said: 'Our plans to transform streets between Hackney and the Isle of Dogs as part of the proposed Cycleway would be a major boost to the capital's walking and cycling network and would enable even more people to switch from private cars to less polluting forms of transport. Whilst John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, added: 'We are committed to improving the cycling infrastructure in our borough and welcome TfL's proposals to improve cycle links between Hackney and the Isle of Dogs.
Cllr Feryal Demirci, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: 'In Hackney, more people than any other London borough commute to work by bike, but we want to make cycling as accessible as possible for everyone. 'This proposed cycle route linking Hackney to Mile End and Canary Wharf would mean more people can start to cycle for all or part of their journey. I'd urge people to have their say on the proposals.' Simon Munk, Infrastructure Campaigner at the London Cycling Campaign, said: "TfL and the Mayor are committed to expanding the capital's cycle network at pace and increasing the proportion of Londoners who live within 400 metres of the cycling network to 28% by 2024, up from nine per cent."
Image Source: TfL
