Cycle shuttle bus plan for major London infrastructure project, Silvertown

Controversy magnet Silvertown Tunnel is examining how cycling can be incorporated into the cross-Thames tunnel project.

Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London have committed to Silvertown, which is designed to relieve traffic pressure on the congestion-blighted Blackwall Tunnel. However critics have blasted Silvertown for its potential to increase traffic and pollution in the area – with fears it will become another example of induced demand – “if you build more space for motor traffic, you will get more traffic”.

Critic’s fears were heightened when cycling facilities didn’t appear to be solidly designed into the project – which is already under construction (work on the second tunnel bore and the new layout are underway). Instead, a commitment was made to investigate and deliver an alternative cross-river facility for cyclists to be delivered in time for opening (in 2025).

TfL has now launched a consultation on new cross-river cycling services for Silvertown Tunnel, with a bus shuttle service one of the current front runners. Such a service would have to be accessible to a range of different bike designs (would cargo bike be a stretch?) and provide “the best overall solution balancing cyclists’ needs, providing flexibility to respond to uncertain demand and value for money”. The bus would be reserved for cyclists, with pedestrians carried across on a high frequency range of zero-emission bus routes that Silvertown Tunnel will “support”.

Does hopping on a timetabled cycle shuttle service sound compatible with the expectations of London’s cyclists, keen to get from A to B? Well, that’s what the consultation is for.

Cyclists already have the option of crossing the Thames at this point via the Greenwich Peninsula Cable Car – on which riders with bicycles and eBikes travel for free before 9.30am on weekdays.

The Silvertown cycle consultation will consider a vehicle vehicle that allows cyclists and bikes on board, possibly with internal racks or storage areas, or a vehicle with a bicycle trailer fitted to the back.

The Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman said: “Making cycling easier and more attractive to Londoners is a top priority for the Mayor. These plans will mean that cyclists will benefit from easier travel between the Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown, enabling more people to make the switch to active travel and helping to build a better, greener London for everyone. I encourage Londoners to have their say in TfL’s consultation and let us know how this innovative service could best serve them.”

David Rowe, Director of investment and Delivery Planning at TfL said: “These cross-river cycling proposals are a key part of our commitment to ensuring that the Silvertown Tunnel supports growth in cross-river cycling use. We are keen to hear feedback from existing and potential cyclists so we can ensure that the services that are implemented best represent the needs of those who would use them.

“Work on the Silvertown Tunnel continues to progress, and we are working hard to ensure that this essential new infrastructure delivers transformative benefits to cross-river travel in east London with minimal impact to local communities. We will continue to engage with the local community and monitor traffic, air quality and other factors, both during construction and once the tunnel is open.”