TfL announces new 5km Cycleway between Hackney and Westferry

Subject to approval, construction work will begin on a major new Cycleway in East London this winter. The route between Hackney and Westferry will feature segregated cycle tracks on Burdett Road and West India Dock Road.

The route was the first branded “Cycleway” project to be consulted on from Transport for London’s (TfL) Strategic Cycling Analysis, which identified the 25 areas with the best potential for increasing cycling numbers.

More than 1,800 people responded and 91 per cent thought the proposals would boost the number of people cycling in the area.

The original plan was for the route to extend to the Isle of Dogs, but it will now finish at West India Dock Road, where it will connect with CS3.

Options for the Isle of Dogs section are being considered by Tower Hamlets Council. TfL said the council was “currently investigating alternative alignment options.”

TfL and Tower Hamlets will also work on plans for an improved cross-river ferry service between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf after Sadiq Khan ‘paused’ work on the proposed bridge after costs escalated.

“I’m delighted that construction work on this major new Cycleway is set to begin this winter,” commented London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman.

“The overwhelming support for the plans during the public consultation shows there is great demand for walking and cycling improvements which enable many more people to get around on foot or by bike as part of their everyday routine. By reducing car use we will improve air quality for everyone, and reduce congestion.”

David Hughes, TfL’s Director of Investment Delivery Planning, added: “Our plans in the area will transform local roads for walking and cycling, reducing road danger and helping to clean up London’s toxic air. We’d like to thank everybody who took part in our consultation for their invaluable feedback and are looking forward to construction work starting later this winter.”

Work on Cycleway 4 between Tower Bridge and Greenwich began in June, while work on Cycleway 9 between Brentford and Olympia is planned to start later this year. Work is also underway on Cycleway 34 between North Acton and Wood Lane.