Camden Council proposes a useful permeability measure to provide access from Theobalds Road, up Great James Street and via the road closure to Millman Street. It will be funded from the complementary measures for the cycle hire scheme.
See location of cycle hire stations on OSM Cycle Map
The main element of this proposal is a two-way cycle track between the southern end of Millman Street and the north end of Great James Street. This passes through the road closure which is a wide paved area with a pub on the west side and many cyclists now go through there illegally.
The second element is a proposal for southbound contraflow cycling on Great James Street as far as Theobald’s Road. This lane is narrow, but is spaced half a metre from the parked cars.
Considering the cycle hire station on Theobald’s Road: This proposal will allow two-way journeys between Theobald’s Road and Lambs’ Conduit Street (via Rugby Street). It would be enhanced by allowing two-way cycling in the part of Millman Street between Rugby Street and Great Ormond Street thus permitting two-way journeys right along Millman Street.
Considering the cycle hire station on Grays Inn Road: Northington Street is one way eastbound as far as John Street. That also needs fixing… but it is narrow …
Click here to see the consultation leaflet
CCC’s response
CCC supports this useful permeability measure in principle, but we have some comments on the details proposed.
Cycle lane between Millman Street and Great James Street
A way through the paved area is an essential component of this scheme, but there is no need to spoil the appearance of the paved area with green paint. All that is needed is a small sign to indicate that cycling is permitted.
The north side already has a dropped kerb which should be widened; another one is required on the south side, but should be in the middle where visibility is better. With low pedestrian flows and plenty of space, there is no need to segregate pedestrians and cyclists.
Contraflow Cycling in Great James Street
We disagree with the proposal for a 1.2 m cycle lane which is below the minimum width standard. We would like to retain the exit plug at Theobalds Road and a short length of cycle lane at the entry. For the remainder, we suggest a “signs-only” scheme.
Additional Contraflow Cycling in the vicinity
Considering the cycle hire station on Theobald’s Road: This proposal will allow two-way journeys between Theobald’s Road and Lambs’ Conduit Street (via Rugby Street). It would be enhanced by allowing two-way cycling in the part of Millman Street between Rugby Street and Great Ormond Street thus permitting two-way journeys right along Millman Street.
Considering the cycle hire station on Grays Inn Road: Northington Street is one way eastbound as far as John Street. It would enhance the proposal to extend the two-way cycling all along Northington Street.