We have written to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in support of the reinstatement of the cycle lanes recently removed from High Street Kensington.
Credit: Better Streets for Kensington and Chelsea
Background
In October 2020, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea introduced segregated cycle lanes on Kensington High Street for a trial period of up to 18 months.
The cycle lanes were hugely popular, with 3,000-4,000 daily trips made along the route, including many key workers and children travelling to school.
Removal of lanes
However, in December 2020 the Borough removed the cycle lanes.
Revisiting decision to remove lanes
The Borough has since announced that its decision to remove the lanes will now be looked at again by the Leadership Team on 17 March 2021, which we welcome.
Letter to Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
We have written to the Borough in support of the reinstatement of the cycle lanes. We said:
“Schemes to promote walking and cycling during the Covid pandemic have been central to national, regional and local responses.
"Whilst recognising the myriad complex and competing considerations at local level we were disappointed and concerned by the removal of the protected cycle lanes on High Street Kensington.
"We are pleased therefore to see that you are revisiting the decision.
"We support the reintroduction of the safe lanes separated from traffic, in line with TfL’s Cycleway Quality Criteria and the overall effort towards zero deaths or serious injuries on London’s roads.
"The cycle lanes would improve health and reduce road danger for thousands of people daily.
"High Street Kensington is a key route for local people, children travelling to school, and people travelling to shops in the area, as well as for people travelling through.
"Many of these people do not have access to a car, and restricted access to public transport during Covid.
"As with all schemes, community engagement and communications with all relevant stakeholders is of huge importance."
