This is a significant scheme which would create 2.4 km of new segregated cycle lanes as well as numerous other improvements to this key N-S street. However, as designed, the lanes are too narrow, which would make it impossible to pass slower cyclists and force people into the main carriageway.
The proposals include:
- 2.4 km of 1.5m segregated cycle lanes
- Upgrading 3 and adding 6 new pedestrian crossings including a cycle crossing at Chester Gate and parallel zebra crossings for pedestrians and cycles at Redhill and Longford Streets
- Wider pavements
- Improved junctions including ASLs and early release for cyclists
- Separate cycle signals for north- and south-bound cycles at Robert Street
- Continuous pavements at most of the side-streets
- Closure of Nash Street to motor vehicles
- Additional cycle parking and storage
- New trees, green planting and seating
- Improved links to Regents Park
Albany Street is listed as a key Primary cycle route in Camden’s 2019 Transport Strategy and will connect to the planned E-W route on Delancey Street and Prince Albert Road.
The proposed scheme reallocates road space from motor vehicles to pedestrians and cyclists – see below from the consultation document – but the allocation to cycles is well below what is needed and does not meet guidelines. The planned pavements are up to 3m wide (4m in places) and footfall is relatively low (no shops etc) so there is plenty of room for 2m cycle lanes over much of the route without compromising pedestrians. And the planted areas are a good idea but not at the expense of space for cycling.
Apart from the inadequate cycle lane width, the main weakness is that the major junctions at either end will not be done until later. Nevertheless this is an important scheme and we think it should be supported with reservations.
Consultation on Camden’s website
Consultation and response form at
https://consultations.wearecamden.org/supporting-communities/albany-street
Plans at https://bit.ly/4j8cL73
CCC’s response
CCC Response to Albany Street Consultation