Response to the CS9 Superhighway consultation and proposals
In 2017, Transport for London consulted on their plans for a Cycle Superhighway (CS9) from Kensington Olympia to Brentford, which would include some of its route running along Chiswick High Road. The Society conducted a members’ survey, which showed that 74% of respondents are against the proposal, 21% are in favour, and 5% neither for nor against. The responses enabled us to produce a submission to the consultation that reflected the views of the Society’s members.
The Society welcomes measures which encourage healthy living, including more walking and cycling within Chiswick, but members expressed concerns that the needs of pedestrians and local residents have not been taken into account, and that the cycle superhighway will have a detrimental effect on the amenity of the area. The Society’s submission, therefore, concluded that the proposed cycle superhighway is not the right solution and opposes the proposal in its current form.
The main concerns expressed by members covered the likely effect on both Chiswick generally and on the Bedford Park Conservation Area including safety, the effect on local businesses, likely traffic displacement into residential streets and higher levels of pollution from increased traffic congestion along Chiswick High Road
Many members suggested that the wide pavement along the A4 would be a more appropriate route for a cycle superhighway for the mass movement of commuters into and out of central London, with local measures to promote cycling within Chiswick, combined with improvements in public transport to promote switches from cars to others modes of travel.
TfL response to the consultation
In early 2019, TfL published two documents: one summarising the responses they received (Responses to the Consultation) stating that overall 59% of respondents supported the plans and the other giving their response (Responses to the issues raised).
In a nutshell, Tfl rejected all the objections made by Chiswick residents and representatives (60% of W4 respondents were opposed to the scheme) and intend, essentially, to implement CS9 as originally proposed, subject to certain small changes, and to two slightly more significant, proposed changes. They consulted further in relation to the latter which involved the junction at Kew Bridge and the junction at the bottom of Dukes Avenue by Our Lady of Grace and St Edward Church. The Society alerted all members to this consultation stage.
TfL announced there would be no further consultation on the overall proposal, although they are to carry out “local engagement” later in the process.
Update on the consultation
In July 20129 TfL published an update on the January/February consultation, which covered proposals for Dukes Avenue and Kew Bridge. As a result of the feedback received, the proposals to make Dukes Avenue entrance only and reduce the eastbound approach to the junction from two lanes to one have been withdrawn. A weight restriction will be introduced for large vehicles over 7.5 tonnes accessing Dukes Avenue from the A4 and the width of the cycle track outside Our Lady of Grace and St Edward’s church reduced from 3m to 2.5m. Full details can be seen on the TfL website. No other changes have been made to the plans.
We are continuing to monitor developments on the proposed Cycle Superhighway on behalf of members. Currently, TfL intends to proceed without making any adjustments reflecting the concerns of residents. We are supporting efforts aimed at ensuring adjustments are made, particularly in relation to the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians. Hounslow Council is due to make a decision on the proposals this autumn.