Transport for London (TfL) is inviting people to have their say on major new plans to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle between Wembley Central and Harlesden stations. Walking, cycling and public transport are amongst the most affordable and sustainable ways to travel, and TfL is working to make transport in all areas of London, including outer London, better for everyone.
In collaboration with Brent Council, the plans would create a new, high-quality Cycleway which would play a vital role in cutting road danger. The planned improvements would also make it much easier to walk, connecting local neighbourhoods to high streets, supporting the growth of local businesses and creating a safer and more enjoyable area for everyone. Between 22 January 2018 and 28 December 2020, 90 collisions occurred on Harrow Road, resulting in 109 casualties. TfL aims to prevent collisions along Harrow Road by providing a safe cycle route connecting Wembley Central and Harlesden stations.
TfL analysis has shown that north west London is an area of high demand for active travel, where people want to be able to walk and cycle more often. TfL’s analysis also identified the Wembley to Willesden Junction corridor as being one of the top six routes in London with the greatest potential future demand for cycling. New infrastructure would be needed to unlock this potential demand and enable more people to cycle. The proposed changes in the area include:
- A protected two-way cycle lane on the Harrow Road and Brentfield, along with new and improved cycle and pedestrian crossings over Harrow Road and the North Circular Road
- More street lighting throughout the area
- Increased greenery with more trees and plants to reduce local flooding, provide shade and increase biodiversity
- Improved quiet road cycle connections to Wembley Central and Harlesden stations.
- Pedestrian routes with a new crossing over Brentfield near Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre and more direct crossings at the North Circular Road junction.
- Changes to bus services with extended bus stop D and repositioned stop B for smoother passenger boarding.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “The Mayor and I are determined to continue building a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone and we know that delivering high-quality infrastructure can make a big difference in enabling more people to walk and cycle.
“We’ve seen a huge rise in walking and cycling over recent years as more and more Londoners enjoy using sustainable ways to get around the capital, and we will continue to work with councils like Brent to introduce measures to make it easier for people to cycle. I encourage all members of the community in Brent to share their views on this consultation for a new cycleway, so we can support everyone with safe and appealing routes to travel around London.”
Helen Cansick, TfL’s Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: “These improvements in north west London would enable more people to safety walk and cycle, giving the local community better sustainable and healthy travel options. We look forward to hearing from Londoners and invite their valuable feedback to shape the future of Brent before the consultation closes on Thursday 21 December.”
