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Cycle Superhighway 11 gets the green light – but TfL are oddly equivocal

"We are going to find a way to make it happen," says deputy mayor for transport...

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has ordered Transport for London (TfL) to continue work on the CS11 route. Announcing the outcome of a consultation on the route, TfL said it would publish a decision on how to proceed later in the year.

The plans for CS11 have drawn no little controversy with much opposition centring on the closure of four of eight gates in Regent’s Park during the day.

While emphasising that the impact on motorists had to be considered, the London Evening Standard reports that Khan has made it clear he wants the project to go ahead.

“Making cycling easier and safer benefits all of us. Cycle superhighway 11 will play an important role improving the quality of our toxic air, improving Londoners’ health, and make thousands more people feel comfortable cycling.

“I am determined to learn the lessons from previous cycle superhighway schemes and I’ve asked TfL to continue to work closely with the local councils and stakeholders to ensure we minimise any disruption to motorists and other road users, both during the construction of the scheme and after it’s completed.

“This includes ensuring changes around Swiss Cottage gyratory benefit car-users who use that busy junction every day.”

A consultation on the route attracted 6,277 responses, with 53 per cent supporting and seven per cent part-supporting the plans. Of the 37 per cent opposed to the plans, longer delays resulting from the proposed removal of the Swiss Cottage gyratory were said to be “of particular concern.” A number of respondents also objected to the use of raised tables at junctions in Regent’s Park.

Announcing the outcome of the consultation, TfL said: “We are currently reviewing the proposals for CS11 in light of the consultation responses, in order to determine the best way forward. We continue to discuss the potential impacts of the proposals with key stakeholders,” adding: “We plan to publish our response to the issues raised during consultation, as well as a decision on how to proceed, later in 2016.”

Val Shawcross, deputy mayor for transport, said the concerns of residents would be addressed to minimise the likelihood of legal action. "We are going to find a way to make it happen," she said.

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6 comments

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AJ101 | 7 years ago
2 likes

Val Shawcross said all of the right things at yesterdays Cycle Summit. She recognised the benefits to the wider community that cycle infra brings but was also cautious about generating "bikelash"

Interestingly Labour MP Ruth Cadbury claimed that London had been a test for the rest of the country, although I don't see Theresa May following through on this.

Full details from Val Shawcross' slidedeck are here

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ibike | 7 years ago
1 like

The LCC have responded to this, summarised as follows: 

"For CS11, we want the Mayor to: ensure tracks are wide, hook risks are removed and complex manoeuvres are simplified at junctions; Avenue Road should be quietened if necessary; 24/7 gate closures; improvements on Park Crescent are needed etc."

As they rightly put it, how this is handled will be a test for the new Mayor and his team.

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Bob's Bikes | 7 years ago
2 likes

I am confused, 60%  of those that responded were in favour of the original plans but only 37% were against but they are now going to change the plans/shift the goal posts.

 

I thought we lived in a democracy!

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DaveE128 | 7 years ago
1 like

So the lessons learner from previous cycle superhighways, according to Khan are that they meed to make things better for car users?

Doesn't look promising does it? His head is still in the 1970s regarding transport.  2 Why not just go the whole hog and build motorways through London?!

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P3t3 | 7 years ago
0 likes

As I understand it most of tfl are in on cycling but one big name in particular needs to go...

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HarrogateSpa | 7 years ago
2 likes

Cycling in London needs the Mayor to show strong leadership, and to be bold. Let's see, but it doesn't look promising so far.

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