Hammersmith and Fulham cycling strategy launched

The London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) has this week launched its cycling strategy. Its target is for eight per cent of all journeys in the borough to be made by bicycle by 2031 – double the current level.

One of the main thrusts of the plan is to try and make cycling less intimidating and a number of major junctions have been identified as being in need of improvement.

The council says it is working with Transport for Greater London on how to improve Hammersmith Gyratory for cyclists. The narrow lanes and pinch points of Hammersmith Bridge have also been identified as being particularly hazardous.

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Other junctions earmarked for attention include Uxbridge Road and Old Oak Road; Scrubs Lane and North Pole Road; and Fulham High Street and New Kings Road.

There are also plans to develop a ‘cycle hamburger’ at Holland Park roundabout, which would involve cyclists and pedestrians crossing through the middle.

The borough is also looking to implement more segregated cycle routes. A cycle superhighway has been proposed from Acton to Tower Hill along the A40 Westway, with another along King Street and Hammersmith Road, between Hounslow and Kensington. There are also plans for more Quietways.

Another issue that has been identified is a lack of secure parking. There are currently around 2,000 bike stands in the borough. The council says it is now committed to requiring cycle parking for all major developments within the borough.

Lynn Seveke from local cycling campaign group hfcyclists said:

“We are very pleased to see that LBHF shares our vision on cycling. We're keen to continue working with the council, representing the community and to make sure they remain committed to achieving real change.

“It is important to bear in mind that high levels of cycling won't be achieved with a few high profile projects. It will require H&F's dedication for major and minor changes across the borough.”

Councillor Iain Cassidy, the borough's Cycling Champion, emphasised that implementation was the key: “A lot of work has gone into giving us this strategy. As local cyclists have said, the challenge is now implementing it and making the borough's streets safer and calmer for everyone, and I look forward to working with residents to do this.”