Construction of major new Cycleway in east London set for Winter

Construction work on a new five kilometre Cycleway between Hackney and Westferry in east London is set to begin this winter, TfL has announced.

In May, TfL invited people to have their say on the plans, which propose to reduce danger to people walking and cycling in the area and add two kilometres of protected space to London’s cycle network. More than 1,800 people took part in the consultation, with 91% believing the proposals would boost the area’s cycling numbers.

The Cycleway was the first new cycling route to be consulted on from TfL’s Strategic Cycling Analysis, which used data to identify 25 areas which showed the best potential for growing cycling numbers.

“I’m delighted that construction work on this major new Cycleway is set to begin this winter,” said Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner. “The overwhelming support for the plans during the public consultation shows there is great demand for walking and cycling improvements which enable many more people to get around on foot or by bike as part of their everyday routine. By reducing car use we will improve air quality for everyone, and reduce congestion.” Listen to what Norman had to say about building a case for cycling on the CI.N Podcast, or catch up on episodes here.

The upgrades to the route will include segregated cycle tracks on Burdett Road and West India Dock Road, as well as safety improvements at junctions, traffic calming and new 20mph speed limits in some areas along the route. The route will also link to existing cycling routes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, including Cycleway 2 and 3.

TfL is investing £2.3 billion to enable millions more journeys to be made by walking and cycling as part of the Mayor’s attempts to tackle the global climate emergency, toxic air and obesity. Four new Cycleways were launched across London in September, with work on Cycleway 4 between Tower Bridge and Greenwich began in June, whilst work on Cycleway 9 between Brentford and Olympia is planned to start later this year.

The consultation report is available here.