Traffic-free path breaks down barriers to cycling

A new traffic-free path has been opened in Ealing in a bid to encourage more people to take up active forms of travel.

The one-mile Ruislip Road East path, which will ultimately form part of Quietway 23, runs from Clifton Road to Argyle Road and is open to cyclists, pedestrians and scooter riders.

Once the final phase of the project is complete in 2018, the route will connect to Ealing Broadway station, via quiet neighbourhood streets and greenspaces.

To celebrate the launch, students from Brentside High School rode their bikes along the route while pupils from Mayfield Primary School enjoyed the path on their scooters.

In 2016, Ealing Council set up a cycling commission to identify what should be done to encourage more people to cycle instead of driving, particularly for short journeys. Quietways and segregated cycle paths were identified as an important way to encourage people to cycle and the council wants to create a network of them across the borough.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said:

“A lot of people say one of the key barriers to cycling is their concern of sharing the road with drivers.

“This path transforms this stretch meaning that more people can feel safe when cycling along this popular route, including those who are cycling or scooting with children.”

Will Norman, London’s walking & cycling commissioner, said:

“This new traffic-free route is an excellent way to encourage all ages to walk and cycle around Ealing.

“It’s vital that we encourage more people to walk and cycle for the good of our health and air quality, and I’m delighted that Ealing is helping both pedestrians and cyclists with their new network of paths.

“I particularly hope that local school children will be inspired to add active travel into their daily routines.”


24 October 2017