Forum Topic

Who Knew About The Cycle Pathway on the A40?

Would be very interested to hear whether the very low response to the consultation about the cycle pathway just under construction was a result of people in Acton being relaxed about the project or unaware it was taking place? I don't live in W3 so may have missed discussion and coverage but the first I heard of it was when I saw the article about the ground being broken. I'm agnostic on the scheme which will probably cause me delays when trying to get to the A40/M40 but I appreciate that better cycling infrastructure is necessary. What does concern me and some others I have spoken to is the way TfL seem to be effectively undermining the system of consultation by not making any particular effort to promote consultations in areas which will be directly impacted by a project. They thereby guarantee 'support' for the scheme because people outside the area who are in favour of the concept of cycle paths will respond in favour and outweigh numerically any local objections. The people who live in the area are best placed to assess how new road layouts will work in reality. It could be that they have determined that this cycle path will cause no problems but looking at the designs I can see significant issues for roads like Horn Lane and Old Oak Road — have I overestimated the issues that will be caused?

Andrew OSullivan ● 2794d6 Comments

I live on the A40 and have been receiving leaflets about this scheme for at least a year.I think it's great. Outside my house there is a cycle lane already which will link with the new parts - the pavements along the A40 are already shared cycle paths/pavements so this will just separate the bikes from the people, which it needs as cyclists can get up a fair speed down the hill towards Savoy Circus. I'm all for it.

Tania Bapuji ● 2794d

I did see the consultation and responded to it some time ago. The original proposal was to continue it along the elevated Westway to Paddington, which I, as a cyclist, thought was barmy as there are much more pleasant and cost effective options in place already.From what I can see they have taken account of comments and the proposals look well thought out and will improve things for all road users and pedestrians

Tony Bailey ● 2784d

I recall the first consultation and agree the initial idea was daft. The second one passed me by but it is a better scheme even though it probably will lead to more traffic in parts of Acton. The reaction to the first proposal by cyclists was very negative so it was always going to be rejected but they were much more positive on the scheme that is to be built. This overall might be the right outcome but there is a concern here that TfL is essentially only interested in the views of a single constituency. Cycling is great and should be encouraged but it is largely the preserve of white, male, in work, able bodied 25-40 year olds and as a group they shouldn't have a disproportionate influence on transport policy.

Andy Jones ● 2784d

The devil is in the detail with these things. It's fine where the road is wide enough to accommodate cycle lanes, but if it creates bottlenecks it will drive up congestion and pollution. The proposal to close off the roads west of Gypsy Corner (Allen Way, Court Way, Park View, Kathleen Avenue) to vehicles will funnel even more traffic onto Horn Lane, with no real benefit to cyclists.

Vlod Barchuk ● 2783d

Will there not be a broader benefit of closing off access here by reducing rat-running and the general level of traffic in residential areas?

Andy Jones ● 2781d

Update email from TFL received today (02/04/2019):Construction on the Acton to Wood Lane improvements is underway. The scheme will provide 3.5km of shared use and cycle track at footway level on the southern side of the A40/Western Avenue. From 8 April to late 2019, the A40 will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes for westbound traffic, 24 hours a day during works, and the speed limit near works will be reduced from 40 mph to 30 mph for safety reasons. Signage will be in place to assist cyclists during works. For more information please visit TfL.Yours sincerelyNick Fairholme Director, Projects & Programmes, Surface Transport

Paul Scullion ● 2765d