This response to the consultation on the proposed Pedestrian & Cycling Improvements at the York Way/Goodsway Junction is from Camden Cycling Campaign, the local borough group of London Cycling Campaign (LCC). We have approximately 600 members and represent the interests of cyclists living or working in the borough of Camden.  We consulted our members by email on this issue and this response reflects the views of the membership.

We note that this junction forms a key part of the planned Cycle Grid (GEW3 is the route from Goodsway to Wharfedale Road) and as such needs the best possible cycle infrastructure. Notwithstanding the planned improvements, we do not consider that the proposals offer good enough protection to cyclists and believe they fall short of the standard required to attract new cyclists to these roads. This is especially noticeable in context of the planned improvements to the Pancras Road/Midland Road junction where protection for cyclists has been achieved on all arms.  There is little point in making the junction at Midland Road safe for E-W cyclists but then leaving them to negotiate the York Way junction without protection.

Although we welcome the proposal to allow cyclists to turn right out of Goodsway and the reduction of northbound traffic lanes, the junction as proposed has the potential for two left-hooks and no protection for cyclists turning right out of Goodsway. The proposed early green would only benefit cyclists arriving when the lights are red.

We are not convinced that all possible solutions have been considered. We understand the constraints on road space including turning radii for HGVs and therefore believe that a more radical solution must be considered, possibly involving some form of temporal separation to include a cycle-only phase of the traffic lights.

We therefore cannot support the proposals as drafted.

Please would you acknowledge receipt of this response. We would be very happy to discuss any aspect of our comments; contact details are below.

John Chamberlain
Camden Cyclists
jxchamberlain@candg.me.uk
020 7485 2685

11 Grove Terrace
London
NW5 1PH