Camden and Islington Councils are proposing a number of measures as part of a Safer Routes to School scheme for the York Way area, for Hungerford and Brecknock primary schools.
Proposals A-D are designed to assist with pedestrian movements at the York Way junctions with Hungerford Road, North Road, Camden Park Road and across York Way itself. All of these appear to be useful.
Proposal E concerns the mini roundabout at the junction of York Way and Market Road, which is currently unsafe for cyclists because the built-out pavement narrows the roadway to such an extent that overtaking vehicles leave no room for cycles. This problem was reported to Camden Council last April and we are pleased to see that it has been addressed in proposal E.
CCC’s response:
Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC) strongly supports the council’s aim to encourage children to walk or cycle to school. We are therefore pleased to be able to comment on the details of the Safer Routes to School scheme for the York Way area, for Hungerford and Brecknock primary schools.
Proposal E: concerning the mini roundabout at the junction of York Way and Market Road. This is currently unsafe for cyclists because the pavement built-out narrows the roadway to such an extent that overtaking vehicles leave no room for cycles. This problem was reported to Camden Council last April and we are pleased to see that it has been addressed in proposal E.
Here are our comments regarding the proposed cycle lane:
cars must be deterred from encroaching into the cycle lane in front of approaching cyclists – they are likely to try to do so because that will be the shortest route into the roundabout.
parking at the exit and the entrance to the cycle lane must be prohibited with double yellow lines. When inspected recently, there were cars parked at what would be the entrance, the exit (on the roundabout) and on the pavement where it will be narrowed for the cycle lane.
Proposal D: concerning the proposed zebra crossing across York Way. We are opposed to the new pavement buildout on the east side of York Way. The road there is already narrow and making it narrower still will increase the danger for cyclists.
