Public backing for first cycle superhighway in west London

Transport for London (TfL) consultation documents have revealed that almost 60% of respondents have backed plans for Cycle Superhighway 9 which would run from Kensington Olympia to Brentford.

London mayor Sadiq Khan launched the consultation on the new 6km route last September, which would link the Kensington Olympia to Brentford via Hammersmith Road, Chiswick High Road, Brentford High Street and Kew Road. The thinking behind the scheme is to provide an option for commuters who would be travelling through the notoriously busy Hammersmith Gyratory.

TfL claim introduction of the cycle route would offer west Londoner commuters a “clearer and safer route for people to cycle” while making it easier to cross busy roads by removing through traffic on some residential roads.

The proposed highway would link busy town centres in Hammersmith, Chiswick and Brentford and be the first in west London to add to the network of cycle superhighways already established in north, south and east London. TfL calculations estimate that 3000 trips are already being made daily by people who cycle on some of the streets where improvements are proposed.

Cycle Superhighway 9 would be the next route introduced in the capital and would help the mayor of London get a step closer to the target set out in the draft transport strategy that set out for 80% of all London trips to be made by foot, bicycle or public transport by 2041 - up from 64% today.

A total of 5,388 people responded to the consultation launched last year with 59% strongly supporting or supporting the scheme, while 38% strongly opposed or opposed it. 

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “It’s great news that our plans to improve walking and cycling in west London have been backed by Londoners. Cycle Superhighway 9 will improve safety for cyclists and make the area more attractive for pedestrians, providing real benefits to the whole community. I look forward to working closely with the borough councils to consider all of the responses and develop our plans further.”

The transport body say it will now review the detailed feedback in order to determine the best way forward. A full consultation report, which will include a detailed response to the issues raised and the next steps will be published later this year.