A new protected cycling link has opened on Mansell Street in Aldgate, connecting two major existing Cycleways
Consultations have now launched into the scheme on Mansell Street and the CS8 route between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge
Investing in walking, cycling and public transport is critical to the sustainability and success of the capital’s economy and the wider UK economy , said Transport for London (TfL).
TfL has completed work on a new protected cycle route in east London, which will enable thousands of safer cycling journeys across London each week. The new route will help to build on the huge 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, which is vital for the success of the wider economy.
On Mansell Street in Aldgate, work has been completed to connect two major existing Cycleways on London’s high-quality network of routes – Cycleway 2 and Cycleway 3. The changes are a vital new part of the network in east London, opening up a new corridor for safer, protected journeys stretching from Stratford in the east to Lancaster Gate in the west. 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
In the three years up to July 2020, four people were seriously injured in collisions on or near Mansell Street and one person tragically was killed. These changes will make people cycling feel safer along a key cycling corridor that is in the top five per cent for current and future cycling demand in London.
TfL is asking people to have their say on experimental schemes delivered since the pandemic. Making these schemes permanent could help to build on the huge increases in cycling seen in the capital since 2020. 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.
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.”
Nick Fairholme, TfL’s Director of Project and Programme Delivery, said: ”Walking and cycling are absolutely essential to a more sustainable future for London and we know that there has been huge demand for cycling since the start of the pandemic. We’re determined to ensure that all Londoners have access to safe cycling routes and this new link between two major Cycleways will make a big difference to people cycling in east London and beyond. We’ll continue to work with the capital’s boroughs to make the case for more investment in schemes like these. I’d encourage everybody to tell us what they think of our schemes through our consultations.”
Simon Munk, Campaigns Manager at London Cycling Campaign, said: ”LCC is delighted the link between Cycleways 2 and 3 in central London is open. This has long been a priority stretch to make safe for cycling, enabling a lot more journeys by cycle. We’re looking forward to TfL and boroughs making a lot more vital links safe for cycling, and installing many more main road cycle tracks, to help London move rapidly towards a zero fatality, zero carbon roads system, where all Londoners feel safe and comfortable cycling.”
Roberta Fusco, Director of Policy at Living Streets said: “May is National Walking Month, when we encourage people to get out and enjoy the many health and social benefits of walking and wheeling. Walking more is made easier when our streets are safe, welcoming and inviting. Widening the pavements will help more people enjoy our local streets, particularly benefitting older people, families with buggies and people using mobility aids or wheelchairs who often struggle to navigate cluttered and narrow pavements.”
TfL’s pioneering cycle hire scheme, Santander Cycles, has continued to break records which reflect the huge increases in cycling across London. It recorded the highest ever number of hires for the month of April, with more than one million hires made across the month for the first time. March was also a record month for the scheme. This follows on from record months in January and February, as well as September, October, November and December last year. The scheme also made a record number of hires across the year in 2021.
