Will this £27million improvement scheme encourage more local residents to cycle?
A recent announcement from the Waltham Forest Council revealed plans for a Mini-Holland scheme in the Lea Bridge Road area. The Transport For London funded scheme promises to improve cycling conditions by making routes safer and more direct, whilst hopefully relieving traffic congestion and lowering the rate of collisions between drivers and cyclists. The Council stated that roads will have designated cycle areas, hopefully making the area safer for the community and encourage those locals within the area to cycle. But with the rise of cyclist injuries from those involved in collisions, it is evident that many are in two minds as to whether this new Mini-Holland scheme will be the driving force to inspire them to cycle.
After recent interviews with those residents within the Markhouse and Church Road Junction, 7/10 agreed that this new scheme would not encourage them to cycle.
A cyclist who lives on Markhouse Road said, “When former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said ‘The place of cycling in our society is set to grow’, he wasn’t wrong. Cycling in London has become a popular mode of transport for many who live and work in the area. The input of this Mini-Holland scheme may encourage some, but I am still skeptical as to whether I want to cycle in and around my local area, despite its benefits.”
One resident of Sybourn Street responded with “The roads here are small enough without the integration of cycle lanes. There will be more collisions; our roads are just not wide enough. I will definitely not be cycling, regardless of the scheme.”
The Council’s bid to increase cycling among residents has clearly gone amiss.
Ashley Fontaine
Holy Family Catholic School & Sixth Form
