TfL sets out plans for walking and cycling improvements

TfL has set out the next steps for walking and cycling improvements in West London, which include a new seven-kilometre cycle route and new pedestrian crossings.

The plans, which would connect neighbourhoods between Kensington Olympia and Brentford Town Centre, were supported by a majority of people responding to the consultation.

In response to issues raised during this consultation, in January 2019 TfL invited people to have their say on improvements to the design at two locations along the route. This feedback has been used to make further changes to the design at the Duke Road and Duke’s Avenue junctions with Chiswick High Road, including:

– Keeping the eastbound approach to the junction of Duke’s Avenue at two lanes, rather than reducing this to one
– Reducing the cycle track width from three metres to 2.5 metres outside Our Lady of Grace and St Edward’s church to provide space for two traffic lanes on the eastbound approach to the junction of Duke’s Avenue. This would improve traffic capacity at this junction, whilst maintaining pavement space outside the Church
– Introducing weight restrictions on the exit movement from Duke’s Avenue to Chiswick High Road, rather than making the road entry only, and introducing weight restrictions on the access to Duke’s Avenue from the A4

TfL will be moving forward with the designs for Kew Bridge and Kew Bridge Road to Wellesley Road as proposed during the consultation.

Construction work is proposed to begin later in 2019. TfL is also working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council on their proposals for a new cycle route along part of the A4.

London’s walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman said: “Getting more people walking and cycling as part of their everyday routine has huge benefits for our health and wellbeing, and we know there is a high demand for more cycling in this part of west London.

“It was absolutely right that TfL took the time to work with the councils to ensure everyone’s response to the consultation were looked at properly, ensuring the proposed scheme is the very best it can be. I’m delighted that we are on course for work to begin on the route later this year.”

David Hughes, TfL’s director of investment delivery planning, added: “We know that there are many people across west London who would love to improve their health and do their bit for the environment by walking and cycling more often, but are put off by intimidating roads which don’t protect people on foot or bike.

“Our plans will create safer and healthier streets, as well as improving the environment and making it more attractive for residents and visitors. I’d like to thank everybody who took part in our consultation for their feedback on our proposals to reduce road danger in the area.”

Recent TfL research has highlighted the economic benefits of walking and cycling to town centres, with infrastructure improvements such as new cycle routes leading to increased retail spending of up to 30%. New 2018 data shows that cycling in London is at record levels with the average daily total distance cycled exceeding four million kilometres for the first time.

Construction on major new routes between Tower Bridge Road and Greenwich and Acton and Wood Lane is underway and TfL is also currently inviting people to have their say on another route between Dalston and Clapton.