FAQs

The project has been divided into phases to streamline implementation and align with budget constraints. This staged approach guarantees effective execution of each step and allows for better resource allocation. It also makes it possible to respond promptly to variations in funding, which promotes flexibility all the way through the project lifecycle.

The route has been broken up into sections as follows:

• Section 1: Tenniswood Road/Ladysmith Road link
• Section 2: Donkey Lane/Cambridge Gardens link
• Great Cambridge Road crossing (this section is being progressed by TfL)
• Section 3: Brick Lane cycling improvements
• Section 4: Brick Lane walking improvements
• Section 5: A1010 Hertford Road junction

Continuous footways are extensions of pavements across the carriageway of a side street at its intersection with another road. This provides an uninterrupted route for pedestrians and cyclists to cross these side streets and helps reduce vehicle speeds upon the approach to junctions where continuous footways are installed. Continuous footways also improve visibility while reducing the carriageway width and increasing pedestrian space.

The council’s approach is to remove any existing footway parking that hinders active travel aspirations. There are ample potential spaces in the area, and drivers can find alternative kerbside positions slightly further away.

The January engagement consists of a Statutory Consultation on Phase 1 of the project and additional questions relating to Phase 2, which will be subject to funding and further statutory consultation.The community engagement will run from 17^th December to 11^th February. 

Information about key project dates can be found in the Key Dates section on the right-hand side of the project page.

Our timeline to the end of financial year 2023/24 is as follows: 

• Community engagement, including webinar and drop-in session – 17 January 2024 to 11 December 2024
• Commence construction of Section 1 - March 2024

Further progression of the scheme beyond the current financial year will be subject to funding.

The following interventions are proposed for this section of the route:

• Upgraded and widened shared path 
• Amended ramp to accommodate cyclists and surface improvement
• Handrail installation at the stairs
• New stop and rest area 

You can view the plans for this section in the Document library.

The following interventions are proposed for this section of the route:

• Introduction of a buildout at Ladysmith Road at the entrance to Soldiers Alley to facilitate cycle transitions on/off carriageway and increase visibility for pedestrians and cyclists
• Introduction of cycle road markings
• Current staggered barriers along Soldiers Alley will be replaced with bollards
• Cycle track delineated in car park to guide cyclists and ensure drivers are aware of proposed cycle route
• Create a cycle bypass at height gate at Donkey Lane
• Reconfiguration of existing barriers to improve accessibility for all users.

You can view the plans for this section in the Document library.

This section is being progressed by TfL.

The following interventions are proposed for this section of the route:

• Introduction of a buildout on Oldbury Road to facilitate cycle transitions on/off carriageway and increase visibility for pedestrians and cyclists
• Introduction of cycle markings
• Conversion of existing speed hump to cycle friendly sinusoidal humps
• Introduction of a buildout with a rain garden and cycle parking outside of the school pedestrian entrance that will act as traffic calming.
• Introduction of an informal crossing outside school and a buildout with a rain garden that will act as traffic calming.

You can view the plans for this section in the Document library.

The following interventions are proposed for this section of the route:

• Introduction of continuous footway on Gough Road, Wolsey Road, Baranard Road, Orchadleigh Avenue, Yeomans Way and Cuba drive to improve pedestrian level of service and reduce the speed of turning vehicles
• Tightening of the junction on Hammond Road and Mapleton Road to improve the pedestrian level of service and reduce the speed of turning vehicles.
• Removing the footway parking at the junctions

You can view the plans for this section in the Document library

The following interventions are proposed for this section of the route:

• Tightening of the junction of Hertford Road with Brick Lane to reduce vehicle turning speeds
• Introduction of contraflow cycling at the service road on the west side of Hertford Road
• Tightening of the south side of the service road junction
• Introduction of short section of two-way cycle track for safe cycle access to and from Hertford Road at its junction with Brick Lane.
• Relocation of the service road exit on the west side of Hertford Road.
• Removing approximately four parking spaces on the service road on the west side of Hertford Road

You can view the plans for this section in the Document library.

As part of the works completed in Phase 1 of the project, the council proceeded to the removal of the previous staggered barriers as they reduced the capacity and directness of the route, while also hindering inclusive access. As a result, they were not compliant with the current guidance (Local Transport Note 1/20 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995).

We would like to acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the public and local community groups regarding the recent changes. In particular, we are aware of reports that the removal of barriers may have led to an increase in the use of the path by non-authorised vehicles. Concerns have also been raised about vehicle speeds posing a safety risk to pedestrians.

We recognise the importance of these issues and are committed to understanding them fully. In response, we have recently carried out traffic and CCTV surveys to gain a clearer picture of how the path is currently being used. The project team is now reviewing the findings, and we are actively exploring further measures to improve safety while maintaining accessibility for all users.

In the meantime, a number of actions have already been taken to address safety concerns. Following a recent assessment, the brightness levels of some streetlights along the alley have been increased by 25% to enhance visibility and help deter anti-social behaviour. In addition, ‘No motorcycle’ signs have been installed at both ends of the path to discourage non-authorised vehicle access.

Should any further improvement works be agreed upon, we will ensure that residents and stakeholders are kept informed through updates on the project webpage.