Streatham Hill set for walking and cycling ‘transformation’

TfL is moving forward with permanent measures to make roads in Streatham ‘safer and less intimidating’ for people walking and cycling, after a public consultation showed ‘strong support’ for the plans.

The changes include nearly 2km of new, segregated cycle lanes between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road.

Meanwhile, new pedestrian crossings will be installed, along with the relocation of existing crossings – as well as changes to side road entry and exit rules to reduce rat running on local roads.

TfL says a consultation found that 83% of respondents agreed that the proposals would make people feel safer cycling through the area, with 70% saying the same about walking.

It adds this ‘vital’ new scheme is in addition to wider measures it is introducing alongside Lambeth Council, as part of the Streetspace programme.

TfL will now work to finalise its designs for these changes to local roads and will look to start construction work early next year.

Penny Rees, TfL’s head of healthy streets investment and delivery said: “The busy A23 route through Streatham Hill has long been a hostile and intimidating environment for people walking and cycling, which is why making these changes is so important to enable more people to get around by bike and on foot.

“These planned measures will make roads much safer and more attractive to people living, shopping and travelling in the area. 

“We’ll continue to work closely with Lambeth Council on further improvements, to support a green and sustainable recovery for local residents and businesses.”

Cllr Claire Holland, deputy leader of Lambeth Council, said: “I’m delighted that residents have shown their strong backing for this transformational scheme for Streatham High Road which will make it much safer to walk, scoot, wheel or cycle.

“We know that many groups in society are underrepresented when it comes to using a cycle to get around and we know that the main barriers are accessibility and danger, real or perceived.

“Only by delivering transformational main road schemes like this one, together with area-wide low traffic neighbourhoods on our local streets, can we make Lambeth into a borough whereby everyone has access to affordable and safe mobility options.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Transport for London to deliver on this and much more across the borough to build a fairer, equitable Lambeth.”


26 January 2021