CYCLING RATES FALL IN CAMDEN!
■ Sport England recently published statistics on cycling and walking in Camden. These figures actually show a drop in those local residents cycling 3 times a week for 2022 (the latest year recorded).
More people were cycling in Camden regularly than before Covid. After that a huge number Camden introduced lost of cycle lane schemes.
Since then there has been a huge disturbance to pedestrians, smooth road transport, and for shopkeepers trying to service their businesses. Most of these schemes have been imposed against popular opinion. They appear to have actually delivered a negative effect on cycling. What could the reasons be for this?
The new cycle lanes are a terrible mess.
■ They stop and start, are never policed, weave in and out of bus stops, between parked cars and pose a serious risk to all, not least cyclists.
■ The surfaces of the lanes are uneven and they are not suitable for the huge range of speeds available.
■ E-bikes, e-scooters, gentle upright bicycles and speedy racers are all lumped into one tight strip.
■ The plastic bollards are a menace, are often knocked over and litter the roadways.
■ The street cleaners can not get in to clean them so they are full of broken glass
■ Prince of Wales Road cycle lane has actually been used far more for roadwork practice than cycles ever since it was designated.
Camden are using cycle lanes to inhibit private car use. As someone who cycles every day and all day, I am appalled by these facts. As a Conservative Councillor, I opposed the imposition of the Haverstock Hill Cycle lane and suggested a more sustainable route-based encouragement of cycling. This would have ensured improved safety without unnecessary disruption. I am hugely supportive of good cycle support, not the unsuccessful blinkered, dogmatic approach which Camden has chosen.
Steve Adams, Belsize Cyclist.
Haverstock Hill Bike lane permanent You said no - Camden said Yes
Camden decided that they will make this unpopular scheme permanent. The Commonplace Survey is available for all to see on their website. There was a clear message. Leaving out undecideds the result was
For the scheme 298
Against it 465.
After a year’s very poorly advertised consultation, most residents were unaware of it being done. A vast number of those in favour lived outside Camden! It is also sad that the local Liberal Democrat Councillors for this area sat on the fence and did nothing to oppose the Labour Council imposing its will on Belsize Park. They were elected to oppose Labour Camden. Once again they refused to do so.
Camden Labour asked your opinion. You told them and then they ignored it.
