As part of its continued ambition to reduce the number of cars on the capital’s roads by providing safe and practical cycling facilities, London is to go ahead with a major North-South link on its bicycle network.
Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, have confirmed their intention to proceed with the North-South Cycle Superhighway from Elephant and Castle to King’s Cross, as TfL published its response to the recent consultation. The plans, which will also benefit pedestrians with wider pavements and more crossing points, were supported by 70% of the public when consulted on earlier this year. Once completed, the full route, also known as Cycle Superhighway 6 (CS6), will provide a safe and direct route for cyclists across central London between Elephant and Castle in the south, and King’s Cross. At a total length of 3 miles (5km), the route will be either fully separated from traffic, or on quiet back streets. At its northern end, the route will connect with the planned Quietway 2 and Central London Grid routes, allowing cyclists to travel safely to Hackney, Walthamstow, Camden and Swiss Cottage, and opening up the city to cycling.
TfL has closely considered all of the responses received in the consultation for this scheme and incorporated several changes to the original plan to address the concerns of local residents and stakeholders. A detailed design will now be developed and, subject to approval from Camden Council and Islington Council, construction will begin in spring 2017. The new, safe and attractive route is expected to be as popular as the first section, which opened in April between Elephant and Castle and Stonecutter Street, unlocking huge latent demand for safe cycling routes. On Blackfriars Bridge, which is part of the route, 70% of all vehicles during the busiest times are now cyclists. Pedestrians will also benefit from the plans, with 1,600m2 of new footway along the route, as well as 14 new or upgraded signalized pedestrian crossings, with tactile paving and pedestrian countdown technology. The plans also include a much improved pedestrian crossing at Farringdon Road for the many thousands of Thameslink passengers who use Farringdon station each day, and for those who will use the new Crossrail station in two years’ time.
Announcing approval for the scheme, Khan said, “We must make it safer and easier for all Londoners to cycle. It can have major benefits for our health, and making cycling part of people’s everyday lives will also help clean up London’s toxic air. The extension of the North-South Cycle Superhighway will make a big difference, joining up existing and planned safe cycle routes in this part of London, and making cycling a safe and practical option for thousands more Londoners. We’re determined to learn all the lessons from previous superhighway schemes, and we’ve listened carefully to everyone who responded to the consultation. This includes incorporating wider pavements and more crossing points to ensure pedestrians properly benefit from the new scheme too.”
