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London’s New Road Gives Cyclists Two Way Street & Sends Drivers One Way

Camden Council are tripling cyclists' share of the road and cutting the motor vehicle portion in half

One of the capital city’s busiest cycling corridors will become a walking and cycling street in a year long trial.

The corridor managed by Camden Council consists of a series of narrow roads and it’s not possible to provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians without reducing space for motorists. So that’s exactly what they’re doing.

The stretch which includes Torrington Place, Byng Place, Gordon Square, Tavistock Square and Tavistock Place will be closed to westbound motor traffic to tackle existing issues.

Currently 84 per cent of people getting around in the area during peak hours are walkers and cyclists, whilst only 16 per cent use a motor vehicle. Despite this, the current state of affairs provides motor vehicles with 43 per cent of the available space whilst cyclists get just 13 per cent.

The proposed changes will give cyclists almost three times more space and motor vehicles will get only one fifth of the available area.

An artist’s impression shows a one-way street for vehicles with two wide segregated bike lanes and plenty of pavement space.

Once the trial has been in place for a few months the Council will write to local residents and businesses to formally seek views on the changes. These views will help inform a decision on whether the changes should be made permanent.

Councillor Phil Jones, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport & Planning said: “I am delighted that this innovative trial is going ahead, Camden is leading the way in making our streets safer and more attractive to people who don’t cycle and safer for the increasing numbers who do. Encouraging more people to cycle is a key objective forCamden Council helping reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and improve the health of our residents, visitors and workers.”

Councillor Jones continued: “The trial will transform the street – doubling the space for cycling which will improve conditions for existing cyclists, while also encouraging new cyclists. Removing westbound traffic will also make the streets a more pleasant environment for pedestrians, with improved air quality and streets that are easier and safer to cross.”

Andrew Gilligan, the Mayor of London’s Cycling Commissioner said: “This is another great scheme from Camden, funded by the Mayor’s Quietway programme, which will improve one of London’s most popular cycle routes to cope with the demands of success.

“Already, 84 per cent of the users of these streets are cyclists and pedestrians. The route will be part of our West End to Walthamstow Quietway, linking at both ends to create a true cycling and walking corridor through the heart of central London and way out to the east.”
During the trial detailed monitoring will be undertaken.

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