Extinction Rebellion campaigners paint pop-up cycle lanes around Chiswick

One of the Extinction Rebellion road markings on Dukes Avenue

Hounslow Council say that they will be acting immediately to remove a number of cycling signs painted on the road around Chiswick.

They were placed there over the weekend as part of a ‘Reclaim the Streets’ protest organised by Extinction Rebellion. They are calling for the government to prioritise public health and well-being as the UK lockdown is eased and to invest in safer streets for walking and cycling.

The group say that the government investing an emergency £250 million to widen streets and bring in temporary bike lanes doesn’t go far enough. They are demanding a citizen’s assembly to decide how cities should be redesigned in light of climate change and the coronavirus outbreak.

Sign painted on pavement outside Catholic Church. Picture: Extinction Rebellion

Louise Wass, 56, London resident and cycling campaigner said: “This is the time to reimagine our streets. The increase in air quality is tangible to all. We can’t go back to the pollution we had before where cars are king. It’s time to share space equitably; putting people and the planet’s health first. Enabling our children to walk and cycle in the way we did will make our cities and towns thrive with life.”

Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport Services at Hounslow Council said, "Clearly these newly painted cycling signs have not been carried out by the council or any of its approved contractors.

"As of lunch-time today (Monday 18 May) , I have instructed our colleagues in Hounslow Highways to remove them as soon as possible. Not only is this an illegal activity, it is a serious safety issue where seemingly, they are encouraging people to cycle on footpaths and other unofficial cycle lanes".

"I would like to thank all the Chiswick residents who have taken the time and the trouble to contact us, recognizing that it was a dangerous ploy by a small minority of irresponsible people."

May 18, 2020