Cycle Crossing To Be Installed on South Parade
Concerns expressed over safety of planned shared pavement
Section of pavement to be shared with cyclists. Picture: Google Streetview
Ealing Council have drawn up plans for a road crossing for cyclists parallel to the zebra crossing on South Parade.
The design includes the introduction of a shared section of pavement around the corner of Rusthall Avenue and South Parade.
This will allow cyclists to mount the pavement on Rusthall Avenue and make their way to the crossing point where they will then be able to join the path across Acton Green Common on the other side. The aim is to provide a safe cycleway between the north of Chiswick and the other side of the railway line linking up with the underpass at Fisher’s Lane.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Steed says he was originally told by Ealing Council officers that the Fisher’s Lane closure was necessary due to concerns over traffic displacement from the Turnham Green Terrace closure and that it would be subject to review.
A survey held by local ward councillors showed 75% opposition to the Fisher’s Lane restrictions with many residents believing they have increased the level of traffic on South Parade. The councillors are holding an online forum meeting on Monday 7 December to discuss the issue.
However, Cllr Steed learnt from a report presented to Hounslow’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel that the access restrictions were actually part of a broader ‘Quietway’ programme design to provide a safe cycling route between East Acton and Chiswick. The proposed cyclist crossing on South Parade is part of this scheme.
He said, “On that basis it would seem that any ‘review’ has already been decided. To add insult to injury it seems we learn this from Hounslow Borough committee papers.”
One resident contacted us to say, “It is entirely right that the council should be looking at improving cycle access between this part of Chiswick and the High Road but I’m not sure this is the answer. The worry is that Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in this design being drawn up without a site visit being made because. The dangers of the blind corner at the junction of Rusthall Avenue and South Parade may not be immediately apparent if you look at a map but are obvious if go and have a look. The risk of a collision between cyclist and pedestrians at this point must outweigh the very marginal safety benefits that this crossing would deliver to cyclists.”
Design of the crossing on South Parade. Click here for more details
Concerns have also been expressed about the routing of cyclists across Acton Green Common. The recent resolution of a court case saw a dog walker having to compensate a cyclists when he was injured after colliding with her pet on the other side of the common closer to Turnham Green tube station. Some local dog owners are concerned that a significant increase in cycling across the park would render it unusable for them.
It is understood that, as the measure is being introduced by means of an Experimental Traffic Order, there was no requirement for Ealing Council to consult with residents prior to the installation of the crossing.
You can email feedback to TrafficNotices@ealing.gov.uk, or post comments to the Highways Service, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, W5 2HL.
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December 6, 2020