North-South and East-West Cycle Superhighways

This response from Living Streets is to both of the following consultations:

- North-South Cycle Superhighway between Elephant & Castle and King's Cross

- East-West Cycle Superhighway through central London

Appendix A includes further comments on the Cycle Super Highway within the boundaries of the .

About Living Streets

Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk. We work with professionals and politicians to make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.

As part of our work, we work closely with highway authorities, including (TfL) and a number of London boroughs, to ensure that new cycle infrastructure not only creates safer routes to cycle but better places for people on foot.

Comments - General

Living Streets welcomes the ambition of the Mayor’s proposed North-South and East-West cycle superhighways but pedestrian safety and amenity must not be compromised.

We support safer, more attractive routes for people cycling. Encouraging more people to travel by bicycle instead of by car will benefit all Londoners. It's good for our health, it's good for business and it's good for people using their cars (easing congestion). But if not designed well, cycle infrastructure can act in certain locations as a barrier to people walking.

Many of our supporters, particularly older supporters or those with disabilities, are intimidated when cyclists and pedestrians are mixed in the same space. A measure of the Mayor's two flagship schemes will be their success in getting the design detail right so that pedestrian-cyclist conflict is avoided and the environment becomes more attractive to both cycle and walk in.

A reduction in lanes

We strongly support the reduction in traffic lanes along most sections of the two routes and reallocation towards space for cycling. We believe this is the right approach to increase the number of people cycling and in response to the falling levels of motor traffic in central London. Reallocation of carriageway space in this manner will have a positive impact for pedestrians too.

Crossings

We welcome the 21 new signalised pedestrian crossings and ten crossings converted from staggered to straight ahead.

We are however concerned about plans to increase pedestrian wait times at St George's Circus, Southwark Tube station, Ludgate Circus, Farringdon Street, Tower Hill, Parliament Square and Hyde Park Corner. In these instances, wait times for pedestrians are already excessive - well over 1½ minutes. In some locations, wait times are being increased by a further 24 seconds. Data provided by TfL shows that 38 crossings will have a wait time of more than 90 seconds along the East-West route in and the City alone.

A TfL study into pedestrian behaviour found that 85 per cent of pedestrians waited no longer than 30 seconds before crossing the , even if the signals were against them1. A reduction in wait times is needed rather than an increase, or at worst they should remain the same.

In addition, a number of the pedestrian crossings are proposed to be the “stagger” type crossings, forcing the pedestrian to cross in two stages. The problem of stagger crossings and long wait times was highlighted in a recent City of London report2:

"Officers consider that the existing stagger crossings at Ludgate Circus do not work effectively. At both crossing points, many pedestrians simply cross outside the crossing area and “green” man phase. They choose instead to cross in a straight line rather than use the narrow stagger islands. The current long pedestrian wait times also increases non-compliance with the pedestrian facilities provided thereby increasing road danger."

1http://www.jctconsultancy.co.uk/Symposium/Symposium2011/PapersForDownload/Pedestrian%20Countdown%20Tim ers%20at%20Traffic%20Signals%20Tony%20Earl%20TfL.pdf 2 City of London (14 Oct, 2014) Cycle Superhighways - The City's interim response to the public consultation.

We would like to see all pedestrian crossings in locations such as Ludgate Circus to be direct and single stage.

Pedestrian crossings across cycle tracks also need careful consideration. Wherever possible, crossings should form a single stage over the track and carriageway (e.g. St George's Road adjacent to Garden Row) to avoid pedestrians having to cross in two or more stages (e.g. outside Embankment Tube station).

Bus stop bypasses

A number of our supporters are concerned over the design of bus stop bypasses. The bus stop bypass arrangement inevitably increases the interaction between pedestrians and cyclists and therefore requires careful design in order to mitigate potential conflict.

Where bus stop bypasses are deemed necessary, and where there is the space to allow it, they must be designed to slow cyclists down and give priority to pedestrians accessing the bus stop (see Fig 1).

The proposed designs will result in pedestrians having to cross wide (four metre) cycle tracks to access bus stops in places like Blackfriars Road and Embankment where cyclists will be travelling at significant speeds and in significant volumes.

The width of cycle tracks coupled with the speed and volume of cyclists expected to be using them requires appropriate crossing facilities. The exact design of those crossing may vary depending on the context but any design should give pedestrians getting on and off the bus priority (through for example a markings) and seek to slow cyclists going behind bus stops down (through signage and physical deflections).

We urge TfL to consult pedestrian and disability groups in the design detail of the bus stop bypasses. We would be happy to contribute to this process.

Fig 1 - Bus stop bypass example from Sydney, . A number of cues have been used to signal cyclists to slow down and give pedestrians priority including a 'slow' sign, a raised crossing, zebra crossing markings and greenery.

Footway widths

We recognise the overall increase of footway space being proposed as part of the two superhighway schemes (net footway gain of 5,076 sq m). However this increase in pedestrian space is largely gained through the introduction of median strips between cycle tracks and the carriageway or inaccessible traffic islands, not necessarily at locations where it is most needed. As the City of London report notes3,

'the proposal looks to reduce footway space, particularly outside areas where high pedestrian flows exist such as at the Tower of London, Trinity Square Gardens, Queen Street and Ludgate Circus'.

3 City of London (14 Oct, 2014) Cycle Superhighways - The City's interim response to the public consultation.

The City is planning for and anticipating a significant increase in the number who work in and visit the City resulting in an uplift of between 25% and 50% in the number of pedestrians using key junctions. We share their concern that current proposals have not considered this increase.

From Pedestrian Comfort Level data provided by TfL we know pedestrian space is already below acceptable levels in locations close to Tower Hill. This is without any growth in pedestrian levels being accounted for.

We would like to see all footways along the length of the two routes meeting a minimum Pedestrian Comfort Level4of B+ factoring in predicted pedestrian growth of between 25-50% depending on location.

Pedestrian crossing widths must also be wide enough for current and future numbers using them.

Slower speeds

Slower speeds reduce road danger for cyclists and pedestrians and help create more inviting, people centred places. We are supportive of plans to include a number of new raised tables and tighter corners at side (e.g. Trinity Square, Fish Street Hill etc.) that will result in slower vehicle speeds and make them easier to cross.

We strongly urge the greater use of 20 mph speed limits along the length of the two superhighway routes. Both routes go through boroughs with or moving towards a borough-wide 20 mph speed limit including Southwark, The City and Camden. 20 mph speed limits are recognised as an important element to creating safer streets for walking and cycling in several recent TfL policy documents, including the draft London Cycling Design Standards and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. TfL should work with the relevant boroughs to introduce 20 mph speed limits as part of both schemes.

Public Realm

We support the general decluttering and urban realm improvements (including new benches, trees, and lighting) in places like Blackfriars Road which will make them more pleasant places to walk and spend time.

4 http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/pedestrian-comfort-guidance-technical-guide.pdf

We are however hugely disappointed that Parliament Square will remain under current plans an uninviting and intimidating place for pedestrians. We strongly urge that the design at this location is revisited and a new holistic design proposed that is truly fitting of a World Heritage Site.

Cycle routes through parks

The East–West route travels through St James Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. The detailed design of these routes is not yet available. However we would urge that any changes to pedestrian or cycle use in these parks should ensure that the primary use of parks remains recreational space and pedestrians and cyclists are not put into conflict with one another.

We have agreed to contribute to a working group led by Royal Parks to look into the design detail of these routes.

[email protected] London Manager Living Streets November 2014

City of London Appendix

Please see below for more detailed comments on the proposed Cycle Superhighways in the City of London. Living Streets has been working in partnership with the City of London Corporation for a number of years, jointly developing and delivering projects which increase walking rates, improve the public realm and streetscapes, and to keep walking high on departmental agendas such as Transport, Public Health and Air Quality. Due to this relationship with the City, we feel well placed to comment specifically on the proposals within their boundaries.

This appendix addresses the North-South Cycle Superhighway between Blackfriars Bridge and Charterhouse Street, and the East-West cycle Superhighway between Trinity Square and Middle Temple Gardens.

East-West Section 2: TfL introduced experimental 20 mph speed limits on the A201 and A10 earlier in the year, and should be applauded for this. However, we are disappointed that a 20 mph speed limit will not be introduced on Byward Street (and later Upper and Lower Thames Street). We feel that this would make speed limits uniform across the City, and improve road safety for all road users.

This section of the Cycle Superhighway is situated at one of the most important gateways into the City of London. It is highly iconic location marked by the Dragon Boundary Statues and All Hallows by the Tower Church. Vast numbers of pedestrians walk the southern pavements into the City of London, and we are disappointed to see the pavements trimmed here either side of the to Trinity Square Gardens.

We feel that the crossing across Lower Thames Street (on the corner of Great Tower Street) is incredibly busy, and would urge it to be widened as part of the scheme’s works.

There is some footway increase on Lower Thames Street but the benefits are minimal to pedestrians. The section leading onto Water Lane is not a well used route, and the widening outside Custom House is completely inaccessible to pedestrians.

We are concerned with the shared spaces at the mouth of St Mark’s Hill. St Mark’s Hill is relatively steep meaning cyclists are more likely to be travelling at speed. This will increase the likelihood of conflict with

pedestrians. We urge that TfL look at ways to mitigate this conflict, for example through the use of signage or by narrowing the width of the dropped kerb so that cyclists would be funnelled out via the middle of the junction – improving sightlines.

We are concerned that cyclists turning left into Fish Street Hill would ignore the traffic light and ride through the crossing during the pedestrian phase. We urge specific no left turn red light for cyclists to be installed at this junction to emphasise the pedestrian phase.

Section 3: We welcome the slight widening of footway on Arthur Street.

As with St Mark’s Hill, we are concerned about the steep descent onto the shared spaces at the mouth of Laurence Pountney Lane and Suffolk Lane, and urge conflict mitigation measures be explored.

We are disappointed at the footway reduction outside Princess House and under the Cannon Street rail bridge; this is already a narrow and unpleasant walking environment for people who use the coaches.

We urge that the straight across crossing on Queen Street Place be retained. Pedestrians are likely to walk the most direct route rather than divert to use the staggered crossing. This will create conflict with left turning vehicles from Upper Thames Street.

Section 4: We are pleased to see that one east bound lane on Upper Thames Street will be given to the bike lane. This will calm traffic going through the City.

Although some footway space has been added here, it is not easily accessed by pedestrians.

Section 5: We are pleased to see the footway increases around Temple Avenue, and that a new pedestrian crossing will be installed.

North-South Section 4a Southwark Living Streets has responded to concerns around on a site visit with TfL officers on 17th October. We are pleased that TfL has looked into whether upstands on the pedestrian islands would pose a trip hazard or not.

We are pleased to see the corners on Watergate’s junction being tightened and believe this will slow down motor traffic emerging from the street, benefiting pedestrians who wish to cross as well as cyclists using the Superhighway.

We are pleased that the pavements are being extended at the mouth of Tudor Street but hope that pedestrians will have priority on this crossing.

Section 4b We are disappointed that two crossings have been removed on this section, one at the corner of New Bridge Street and Apothecary Street, and another across Bridewell Place. We suggest widening the crossing across New Bridge Street in order to accommodate greater numbers of pedestrians.

We are pleased to see the corners tightened in Bridewell Place and Bride Lane.

Ludgate Circus is currently a site of great concern. We feel that there is a missed opportunity to convert the two staggered crossings along New Bridge Street into straight across crossings. We would like straight- ahead rather than staggered crossings being created at Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill.

We are concerned that maximising the green time for cyclists and straight ahead traffic means allocating time away from the pedestrian phase, increasing waiting times at the crossing and pavement congestion.

Section 4c: A bus stop bypass will be installed near Harp alley. Please see our concerns regarding bus stop bypasses in the main response.

We welcome the extension of the pavement at the crossing on eastern side of Farringdon Street, and believe that the reduction in carriageway width will calm traffic.

There is a staggered crossing in this section which is not reflected in the drawings. Does this mean it will be removed?

Section 4d: We urge TfL to review the decision to trim the footway at the exit of the stairs coming down from Viaduct. This is likely to become a much busier route with the completion of Crossrail and more space, not less, is needed for pedestrians.

The junction where Snow Hill and West Smithfield joins Farringdon Street needs a crossing for pedestrians. Whilst current traffic occurs in pulses and there are opportunities to cross, it remains intimidating for less mobile pedestrians. We are pleased that this will be done on the eastern junction of Charterhouse Street and hope it will be repeated here.

We oppose the conversion of the straight across crossing into a staggered crossing at mouth of Farringdon Street.

For any Questions on the Appendix of this consultation, please contact [email protected]