Transport for London (TfL) has completed work on a new protected cycle route in east London, which will enable thousands of safer cycling journeys across the capital each week.
The new route will help to build on the increases in cycling seen in the capital since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Enabling more people to walk, cycle and use public transport is critical to a successful and sustainable economy in London, TfL said.
On Mansell Street in Aldgate, work has been completed to connect two major existing Cycleways on London’s network of routes – Cycleway 2 and Cycleway 3. The changes are a new part of the network in east London, opening up a corridor for safer, protected journeys stretching from Stratford in the east to Lancaster Gate in the west.
In the three years up to July 2020, four people were seriously injured in collisions on or near Mansell Street and one person was killed. The changes are designed to make people cycling feel safer along this cycling corridor, which is in the top 5% for current and future cycling demand in London.
Changes that have been put in place as part of the work include:
- A two-way cycle lane on Mansell Street, using cycle wands to separate people cycling from motor traffic
- New low-level traffic signals for cyclists
- Wider pavements for people walking
- New and improved crossings to allow people walking and cycling to move around the area more easily
- A new bus lane on Goodman’s Yard to help people travel more sustainably
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling over the past two years as more and more Londoners enjoy using sustainable ways to get around the capital. To maintain this success, we are continuing to make our roads safer. I’m delighted that this new protected cycle route is now open, making a much-needed connection between two major Cycleways in east London.”
TfL is now asking people to have their say on experimental schemes delivered since the pandemic. The operator added making these schemes permanent could help to build on the increases in cycling seen in the capital.
A six-month consultation has now launched into the scheme on Mansell Street. A consultation has also launched into the first phase of upgrades to the CS8 route between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge, changes that have been in place on the route since summer 2020. TfL is encouraging everybody to have their say on whether the schemes are working to make travel safer and more sustainable and enabling more people to walk and cycle. These consultations are now open on the TfL website.
