Dear Westminster

Thank you for consulting the public about this proposed cycleway. I am responding on behalf of Westminster Cycling Campaign, the local group of the London Cycling Campaign. I am also submitting these comments to your questionnaire.

General Comments

We strongly support this bold proposal to reallocate road space from parking bays to create a high-quality two-way cycle route.

Fitzrovia has an extensive network of one-way streets that can be confusing and frustrating for cyclists. A two-way cycle route is therefore extremely valuable. A north-south route is also an important link to existing and proposed east-west cycle routes.

We are pleased to note that a segregating kerb, double yellow lines or zigzag markings, as appropriate, will discourage motorists from blocking the route by parking.

Comments on specific locations (from south to north)

Junction with Mortimer Street

We assume that, as well as continuing straight ahead into Newman Street, southbound cyclists will be able to turn left into Goodge Street and right into Mortimer Street. This ensures that the new cycle route is of maximum value.

Junction with Tottenham Street

We welcome the proposal to continue the footway across the mouth of Tottenham Street. As well as slowing vehicles exiting from Tottenham Street, this measure reduces the dominance of motor traffic. We are surprised that a similar arrangement is not proposed for the junctions with Riding House Street and Foley Street.

Junction with Riding House Street

We welcome the proposed parallel crossing of Cleveland Street at this junction. We question, however, the need for the spaces shared with pedestrians at each end of the crossing, though we recognise that the regulations for this type of crossing may require them.

We regret that contraflow cycling is no longer proposed for Riding House Street.

Foley Street to Howland Street / New Cavendish Street

We have some concern about the limited carriageway width available for northbound traffic and the possible conflict between northbound cyclists and motor vehicles. In particular, where the southbound cycle lane is not segregated by a kerb, the northbound lane width of 3.3 metres is in the range 3-4 metres, where motor vehicles will attempt to squeeze past cyclists.

Are there ways of reducing this problem, such as “Don’t overtake cyclists” signs or painting more cycle logos in the middle of the lane?

Junction with Howland Street / New Cavendish Street

There are three movements at this junction where cyclists will conflict with motor vehicles, namely:

1.   Cleveland Street (N) to New Cavendish Street: conflict with oncoming traffic.

2.   Howland Street to Cleveland Street (N): conflict with traffic proceeding straight ahead.

3.   Cleveland Street (S) to Cleveland Street (N): conflict with left-turning traffic.

Can the signal phasing be programmed so as to eliminate these conflicts?

Junction with Clipstone Street / Maple Street

Most cyclists we have spoken to found the proposals a bit confusing and feared that road users might also be confused. We recognised, however, that it may not be possible to devise a better arrangement, given the space constraints and the number of possible cycle movements. However, removing the footway build-out on the west side of Cleveland Street facing Maple Street might open a further range of solutions.

We suggest that early use of the scheme should be monitored and modifications made, if found necessary.

As at the other junctions, suitable signage will no doubt help cyclists to navigate the junction successfully – as well as find out where the route leads. We assume that the route will be signed in accordance with TfL’s signage standards for cycleways.

We were pleased to note that the footway build-out on the south side of Clipstone Street will be cut back to allow westbound cyclists and eastbound vehicles to pass each other safely.

Conclusion

We strongly support the proposals for this cycleway. We hope they attract a positive response and look forward to their implementation – as well as an extension one day into Soho.

Yours sincerely,
Colin Wing.