Published: Wednesday 30 September 2020
Work has begun to create a new, temporary cycle lane in Kensington High Street.
Lines are being painted and wands are being installed to create the new protected cycle lanes on both sides of the road. The lanes will link to planned cycle routes in Westminster and Hammersmith.
The first phase of the installation work is being completed by the Council and is expected to take around three weeks. Work is beginning at the west of the road near Addison Avenue and is happening during the night to keep disruption to a minimum for road users.
The second phase, expected to take place by the winter, will upgrade the junctions to complete the route and be undertaken by Transport for London.
In the summer the Government called for local councils to create safer walking and cycling routes in cities and towns. The Council will monitor the new route from day one and keep the scheme design under close review and is exploring the option of a review group including local residents, business and ward councillors.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead member for Transport, said:
“More people are choosing active travel to get around after the coronavirus pandemic and this temporary route will give residents, commuters and visitors another option for travelling safely through Kensington and Chelsea.
“It’s been fantastic to see how the local economy has adapted to welcome customers back safely. Kensington High Street is home to great parks, museums, shops, bars and restaurants and I hope this new cycle route encourages more people to stop off and enjoy the borough.”
Bus stops will stay in place along the road and the Council will not need to close any roads or ban any turning movements.
The Council has written to local residents to remind them of the new route. The Active Travel team has also written to businesses on Kensington High Street to advise them on waste collections and receiving deliveries. New all-day loading areas will be introduced on side streets so that high street businesses can continue to receive deliveries.
Residents and business owners can find out more on the Council’s transport web pages and contact the Active Travel team with questions about the new route.