Camden launches consultation on plans for new east to west cycle route
Camden Council has taken inspiration from Demark in its plans for a new east-west cycle route across Camden Town.Residents and interested parties are invited to comment on the proposals, funded by Transport for London and part of the Mayor’s Central London Cycling Grid, which include separating cyclists from traffic with a ‘stepped cycle track’ – on a slightly higher level than the road and lower than the pavement.The new design will not only physically separate cyclists from the traffic, it will also make it easier for pedestrians to cross. This innovative approach was pioneered in Copenhagen, one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world.
The proposed layout on Pratt Street and Delancey Street provides up to two metre wide tracks in each direction and better crossings for pedestrians. Changes will also be made to side roads to encourage motorists to reduce their speed and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.The route would fill a “missing link” and allow cyclists a safe route into the heart of Camden Town whilst also avoiding the main roads and busy junctions in the area. It opens up a core network of cycle routes to the West End and the City for the thousands of people living and working in Swiss Cottage, Primrose Hill, Camden Town, Kentish Town and King’s Cross.The route would also connect between the proposed Cycle Superhighway 11 and Camden’s north-south cycle route at Royal College Street, itself then connecting to the new north-south and east-west segregated superhighways.
“I am delighted to see Camden again leading the way in the provision of facilities for cycling and cyclists in London.
“I would encourage everyone to let us know their views on the proposals through our online consultation. These new plans are for some of best cycling facilities that London has seen and will open up a network of safe and attractive routes for the growing number of cyclists who want to cycle through Camden.
“Camden already has some safe and attractive cycle routes and by the end of 2015, we are on track to have doubled the amount of segregated cycle lanes in the past two years.
“By the end of 2016 we plan to have over 10km of new and improved segregated cycle lanes in the borough linking many of our town centres to each other and to the West End and City. Making cycling safe and attractive will encourage more people to cycle helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality benefiting the health and quality of life of our residents.”
Andrew Gilligan, the Mayor of London’s Cycling Commissioner, said: “This outstanding scheme will break one of north London’s main barriers to cycling."Once the links are complete, cyclists will be able to ride from Swiss Cottage and Camden Town to Canary Wharf, Barking or Elephant & Castle entirely on separated cycle tracks or low-traffic streets. It’s testimony to the power of the relationship between TfL and a borough genuinely committed to cycling.”
To complete the online consultation visit: https://consultations.wearecamden.org/culture-environment/walking-and-cycling-pratt-st-delancey-st