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

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.