As part of the Cycle Hire scheme, Transport for London has granted funding for a number of 'complementary measures'. These will open up a number of one-way streets to two-way cycling, in particular creating an eastbound route into Soho from the streets to the west of Regent Street (see map).
A complete list of the schemes:
Many of these are proposals that we have been discussing with the council for many years and have featured in Cycle Route Implementation and Stakeholder Plans.
These measures are part of a £4.5m Complementary Measures Scheme for the Cycle Hire area. TfL expects measures to be in place in time for the launch of the scheme on 30th July.
We have heard that Transport for London has granted funding for two schemes proposed in the Cycle Route Implementation and Stakeholder Plan published earlier this year as part of the London Greenways project.
British Waterways have been granted funding to improve the canalside path under the bridge carrying the railways to/from Marylebone and Baker Street (see photo). As well as improving lighting and drainage, BW expect to continue the hard-surface path towards the footbridge connecting to the Lisson Green Estate. This scheme will help not only cyclists but also Lisson Green residents who use the path on their way to the Regent's Park mosque.
We have also heard that Westminster has been awarded funding to allow two-way cycling along Delamere Terrace. This is the point where eastbound cyclists following the canal find their route blocked. This is likely to be a two-year project, with the scheme designed in 2010-11 and implemented in 2011-12. Eastbound cyclists will probably be allowed to use the lower-level footway on the canal side of the street.
Unfortunately funding was not awarded for two-way cycling along the one-way section of Blomfield Road. This would have been more expensive than Delamere Terrace because of the need to modify the traffic signals at the junction with Warwick Avenue; and it would have benefited fewer cyclists than Delamere Terrace. Cycling does, however, appear to be permitted along the canal towing path, which can be reached by crossing a blue bridge just east of the Westbourne Terrace Road bridge.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced £11.5m of funding on projects in six boroughs that will help transform the look and feel of the capital in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. He has confirmed that £7m will be spent on restoring Piccadilly, St James and Pall Mall to their former status as London's great boulevards by reintroducing two way traffic and decluttering the area.
As part of the project, more than one kilometre of railings will be ripped out and two-way traffic will be reintroduced. More space will be devoted to pedestrians and the transformative scheme will open up the gateway to St James Park and Horse Guards Parade for the 2012 Games.
Colin Wing, chairman of Westminster Cycling Campaign, said: "This project is potentially good news. As things currently stand, the speed and volume of traffic along these one-way streets - as well as the detours they cause cyclists - are major deterrents to cycling through the West End. But we need to be vigilant to prevent the same thing happening as happened in the Strand, where traffic lanes were narrowed as part of a pedestrian improvement scheme, making conditions more difficult for cyclists."
Following its success last year in Hammersmith & Fulham, Agewell on Wheels is being extended this year into Westminster.
The scheme is aimed at older cyclists (over 50) who may have:
A five-week course will cover improving physical fitness, developing and practising cycling skills and riding off and on road in a group, supervised and led by cycling instructors. Emphasis will be on developing cycling skills in a supportive and enjoyable way.
The course will boost cycling confidence and offer the opportunity to become part of the local cycling community. Each weekly session will last for three hours from 11 to 2pm, including a short lunch break. Tea and coffee will be provided at visits to local cafés.
Five-week courses, based at Glastonbury House, Warwick Way, SW1, are planned for:
But bikes will be available for those who currently don’t have their own. Social rides will be organised to help participants continue cycling after the course.
Please contact Rosie Tharp or Lucy Cooper on 020 7234 9310 to register. The fee is £10 for five weekly sessions.