Southwark survey seeks views on draft cycling strategy, including planned north-south spinal route

Do you live in the London Borough of Southwark, or cycle there? If so, the local council wants to hear your views as it finalises its Cycling Strategy, including its ‘Southwark Spine’ part-segregated cycle route running the length of the borough from just above Elephant & Castle in the north to Dulwich in the south.

The planned route is described as a “completely new, high capacity strategic cycling corridor with clear space for cycling, running the whole length of our borough,” and will link to the planned North-South Cycle Superhighway running from King’s Cross to Elephant & Castle.

Southwark Council says: “The proposed route will be cohesive, direct, safe, attractive, comfortable and easy to navigate for all ages and abilities. It will be physically segregated in areas of heavy traffic or large vehicles, with different signals to prioritise cyclists at junctions.

“On streets with moderate traffic, and fewer large vehicles, the road layout, including parking, will be reallocated to provide for cycling and walking. On residential streets, traffic will be heavily calmed or designed out. Links through parks and open spaces will be direct and designed to avoid conflict with other users.”

The Draft Cycle Strategy also aims to increase the share of journeys undertaken by bicycle from 4 per cent currently to 5.5 per cent by 2016/17 and ultimately 10 per cent by 2025/26.

The borough also says that it aims “to have the highest growth of cyclists and cycling trips in London, as well as the safest roads.”

People responding to the survey about the borough’s Draft Cycling Survey will be entered into a draw to win one of three vouchers worth £100 – although Southwark doesn’t actually say where those vouchers can be spent.