Temporary Cycleway 9 Opens With Little Fanfare

TfL believes it has solved issues with traffic lights and removes barriers

Roller blader makes use of the cycleway for slalom practice. Picture: Peter Hogan

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The temporary cycleway along Chiswick High Road was finally opened this Monday morning (21 December).

The project has seen weeks of delay due to technical issues with traffic lights which meant that, frustratingly for cyclists, the road layout was in place but barriers prevented them from using it.

There has been no official announcement from TfL or Hounslow Council on the opening but Will Norman , the Mayor of London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner, said that the cycleway was open on Twitter.

It is understood that further work will be needed on the route to install receptors on the road which aim to improve the operating of the traffic light phases.

There has been a mixed reaction to the opening so far with many cycling enthusiasts giving it a warm welcome and saying it will substantially increase safety for people on a bike in Chiswick. Other cyclists have expressed some reservations particularly about vehicles emerging from side streets blocking the way and the layout of the junctions at Heathfield Terrace and Goldhawk Road which have been described as confusing and intimidating.

Temporary cycleway finally up and running. Picture: Tracey Logan

A significant number of people have already highlighted the potential hazard created by drivers turning right out of Turnham Green Terrace not seeing signs indicating the presence of the cycle lane. There have been reports that vehicles are consistently entering the cycle lane by mistake risking a collision with eastbound cyclists.

Due to the Christmas break, usage of the cycleway and traffic on local roads has been light so it is too early to judge the likely impact of the opening. On Christmas Eve a lone roller blader took the opportunity to use the empty lane for a bit of slalom practice captured in the video by Peter Hogan below.

TfL has set up an online feedback form for you to comment on the scheme.

TfL believe they have solved the issues with the scheme's traffic lights

You can also email them on streetspacelondon@tfl.gov.uk however they saw they will not respond to individual emails.

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December 27, 2020