Safer cycle routes take shape in Wandsworth

Councillor Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “Safety concerns are routinely listed as a key obstacle to cycling by Londoners, particularly on main roads. By providing a greater network of quiet cycle routes, which are well signposted and easy to navigate, we can encourage people to get on their bikes and enjoy a more peaceful journey to wherever they need to go. 

“This focus on improving our cycle network is part of our overarching ambition to encourage active travel across the borough, which has also included better cycle lanes on Wandsworth Bridge, working with schools and their local communities on school streets, and installing lots more on-street bike storage hangars.” 

Introducing more cycle routes, including along quieter roads, are key components of the Wandsworth Walking and Cycling Strategy, which in turn supports many of the key elements of the Wandsworth Environment and Sustainability Strategy. Both strategies aim to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, by making our roads and pavements safer, and our air cleaner.  

Zoë Rogers, a Lambeth resident said: “I often cycle through Wandsworth to visit friends, and as someone who doesn’t live in the borough, I’m not hugely familiar with the back streets. I rely on the signposted quiet ways to be able to get where I’m going, without having to use the main roads.” 

The initial public consultation went live on 7 August and closed on 22 September 2024 and included general questions, as well as the ability to comment on 13 proposed routes and to suggest alternative routes. A total of 402 responses to the questionnaire and 1,242 comments were received. 

People in Wandsworth will now be invited to share their views on the detailed designs for the six routes to be taken forward in the next phase - focusing on ensuring they are high-quality, safe, and sensible, and can be used by cyclists of all ages and abilities. Your views will be essential in making sure the routes are designed with residents and work properly for residents. 

These Quiet Cycle Routes are being jointly funded by the Council, and Transport for London (TfL), via the Local Infrastructure Plan (LIP) funding.