TfL to upgrade two key south London cycling corridors to support increasing number of cyclists

Transport for London has unveiled plans to improve the A23 and CS7 cycle routes to make cycling in Southwark and Lambeth safer and easier, writes Simon Throssell…

From March, changes will be made to the bus lanes along the A23 between Oval and Streatham to give people the confidence that they can travel safely along busy roads.

Lanes will be widened at stops to make it easier to pass stationary buses, and continue to enable essential cycle journeys at all times.

There will be new restrictions on a limited number of left turns for motor vehicles along the corridor to reduce conflict with people cycling.

Separate traffic signals will also be created at key junctions in Brixton to give cyclists an earlier green light, as well as larger advanced stop lines at other busy junctions.

Further upgrades will also be made to the CS7 speedway, one of the most cycled routes across the capital. Improvements to the 13km route were made earlier in the pandemic with these new changes including:

• New cycle wands to segregate the existing cycle lanes on the westbound and southbound approaches to the Camberwell New Road/ Kennington Park Road junction
• New two-stage turn road markings for cyclists turning right at Camberwell New Road/Kennington Park Road/Harleyford Street junction, and early release signals for cyclists on the Camberwell New Road and Harleyford Street arms of the junction
• Wider bus lanes to make it easier for people to cycle in them
• Some changes to parking and loading bays on Kennington Park Road and Newington Butts
• A restricted left turn from Kennington Park Road into Kennington Lane (westbound) for all traffic except cyclists and emergency services, to reduce the likelihood of conflict between motor vehicles and people cycling
• New and longer bus lanes will match the existing 24-hour trial operation to enable essential cycle journeys at all times

These measures are part of TfL’s ongoing response to the increased levels of cycling during the pandemic. According to recent data, cycling in inner London has increased by 7% and by 22% in outer London compared to spring 2019.

Helen Cansick, TfL’s Head of Healthy Streets Delivery, said: “I hope that these trial changes to roads in Lambeth and Southwark will make a noticeable difference to cycle journeys on two of the area’s busiest corridors and give people new to cycling confidence that it is a safe and viable way to make essential journeys during the pandemic.

“We’d really like to hear people’s thoughts on our plans and will continue to work with both councils and people in the area through the trial period.”

Cllr Catherine Rose, cabinet member for leisure, climate emergency and roads at Southwark Council, said: “We welcome the addition of a safer cycleway to support cyclists’ journeys to Elephant and Castle.

“We have long been supporting TfL in making this key south London destination friendlier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Southwark?Council is committed to helping people to upgrade to cycling and walking, modes of transport proven to improve personal health and happiness, as well as supporting better air quality and road safety for all.”

Residents are being encouraged to share their feedback via TfL’s website before a more extensive engagement process begins.

Views on the A23 Lambeth to Oval scheme can be shared at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/general/a703929d/ and on the CS7 upgrade scheme at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/general/e9fd1791/