Goverment Review of HWC

In order to create a safe cycling and active transport environment we need to point out what we need, where.

In line with the policy announcement from Grant Shapps MP changes should be urgent and immediate so this is a space to plan, map them out and look at detail. We have the benefit of this being a forum where we have access to a lot of expertise in technical detail so feel free to suggest, upload photos, discuss, wish.

A discussion about the Dept for Transport's new Call for Evidence about changing the law regarding e-scooters and other similar vehicles. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/873363/future-of-transport-regulatory-review-call-for-evidence.pdf 

A bill is being put forward to sentence any cyclist convicted of dangerous cycling to a 14 year prison term.

A lack of a clearly defined, well planned cycling network is hindering the growth of cycling in London.

This proposal changes a signalised junction into a roundabout. On each of the three roads leading into the roundabout there will be a Zebra crossing with a parallel cycle crossing. Two of the zebra/cycle crossing will be across a dual carriageway.

Ealing Council is consulting on a new scheme for the area outside Ealing Broadway station. 
Reduction in Cycle Parking
As part of the scheme, Ealing Council plans to remove 59 cycle stands on and near Haven Green and replace them with 29 stands along the Broadway. This will remove parking for 60 bicycles. As Haven Green is common land, the cycle stands on the grass are only temporary. At some point they will need to be removed. Ealing Cycling Campaign has repeatedly urged the council to earmark a site near Ealing Broadway station for permanent cycle parking. A good location would be the car park along the south side of Haven Green. Unfortunately the council has still not been successful in acquiring the required land, and has not yet decided to instigate compulsory acquisition procedures, or otherwise escalate the process.
At times of peak demand, the cycle stands near Ealing Broadway fill up, and people lock bicycles to trees and other objects. With the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and the new cycleway to Greenford, the demand for cycle parking at the station will grow. 

Where’s the Cycle Lane?
The new plans don’t include the contraflow cycle lane (below) the council promised six years ago.

For over 20 years Ealing Cycling Campaign has lobbied the council to build a contraflow cycle path to run along the east side of Haven Green (but not on the common) to link the Mall with the roundabout at Madeley Road. This will provide a direct route to and from Ealing Broadway station so people don’t have to cycle around the Arcadia Centre and Haven Green. In 2013, the council included the cycle path in its mini Holland plans. However, it has disappeared from the latest proposals. This goes against the council’s transport policy for its cycle network, which states: “Where one-way streets are implemented, the default position will be that contra-flow cycle lanes will be provided.” 

London Borough of Hounslow is consulting on proposals to create a better pedestrian and cycling environment on Windmill Road (north and south of the A4) in Brentford.

Details are here with a link to the online survey.

Deadline for responses is 19 April (Good Friday).

Local Implementation Plan released for consultation by London Borough of Hounslow.

a. CS9 is referenced many times in the document (such as p.31 "The implementation of CS9 would create opportunities for new orbital routes into neighbouring residential areas and transport hubs").however it is also sometimes qualified by "if approved" and proposals will have dependencies upon CS9 going ahead.
b. We get a mention on p.31 "Local groups such as the Hounslow Cycling Campaign can provide important knowledge on local demand and suggestions for improvements." Yey!
c. Section 3.1.4 and Appendix D reference Propensity to Cycle tool results for the borough.
d. Section 3.1.5 references cycle routes to Heathrow. While Heathrow airport isn't within Hounslow, it is the largest employer of borough residents. Our guess is that additional funding from TfL and Heathrow will be required to address Heathrow cycle access.
e. Section 3.1.6 references a cycle network for the borough. This is the first time we have seen reference to a "Hounslow Priority Cycle Network" as previously, projects have been disconnected individual projects. CS9 provides the "spine" for this network.
f. There is reference to 2 Liveable Neighbourhoods bids for Feltham and Dukes Meadows. We have heard that "Dukes Meadows" will actually be called "Chiswick South" in the bid. The details of these bids are not within the LIP but we have heard the "Chiswick South" bid has a mixture of public realm improvement, school streets and creation of filtered permeability cells in the Grove Park area of Chiswick.

A new Toucan crossing to link Dean Gardens with Mattock Lane. This will replace the present Toucan crossing. This route is part of the London Cycle Network Route 41. The plan was included in the West Ealing Liveable Neighbourhood Bid, but the council intends to install this as a separate project - probably in the financial year ending March 2019.