Little Progress for Cycling Routes For Chiswick

Complaints grow after death of a young woman cyclist

After the recent death of Marie Fox at the northern end of Kew Bridge the spotlight has fallen on the inadequate provision for local cyclists in the area. Marie was crushed by a lorry turning left onto the bridge. Her mother has called for action to make cyclists safer.

The tragedy occurs as the Chiswick Area Committee were considering a report on cycling issues in Chiswick written by the Director of Environmental Services. The London Cycle Network has been developing a series of Priority Strategic Routes with the aim of identifying a high quality London wide network by the end of the year.

None of these Priority Strategic Routes pass through Chiswick but some non priority routes have been identified:

• Wellesley Road - Heathfield Terrace - Belmont Road - Chiswick Common Terrace - Turnham Green Terrace - Bath Road
• A4 - Sutton Lane, North Acton Lane - Bollo Lane
• Burlington Lane - Barnes Bridge Station

The responsibility for cycling in London will pass from the London Cycle Network to Transport for London this April. TfL will be producing a report on the matter and has a budget £8mn but there seems little room for optimism over local improvements.

It is alleged that a lack of foresight in transport planning has been shown by the banning of cycling in Chiswick Business Park. A report by the Director of Environmental Services to the area committee did highlight the possibility of using section 106 money to improve local cycle routes but failed to mention that a safe and cheap route could be set up through the park.

One local resident commented, "The idea that Acton Lane is a viable and safe alternative for cyclists is laughable. The layout at the junction with Chiswick High Road is similar to that where the accident occurred. "

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Richard Auty on 020 8247 6935.

February 12 , 2002