When traffic levels go back to normal, you will be overtaking the cars most days. That was my experience when I used to commute into town.I think it's actually safer than the High Road. Most serious incidents involving bikes and other vehicles happen at junctions, and there are very few of them on the A4. There are also no pedestrians gawking at their phones stepping into the road. I've cycled over 30,000 miles in London, and my only trip to A&E was caused by a pedestrian who stepped in front of me.Cycling on the A4 does depend on being able to keep up a reasonable speed though. It wouldn't work with young kids or older people who are only doing 6 to 8 mph. It's those people who really require the cycle lanes, not the people who can keep up speeds around 20mph.A lane that is done well can benefit all types of cyclists - like the one on the Embankment. That Embankment one does have very few junctions though. The lane is on the South side by the river, and avoids most of the junctions.With a bit of joined up thinking, we should be removing a lane for cars on the A4 and using the space for a good cycle lane. The A4 goes into 2 lanes for both flyovers. The flyovers are the pinch points where you get the queues. Making it 2 lanes in one direction all the way along wouldn't lose a lot of capacity. Also, Crossrail is opening at some point in the next year or two, so that should reduce the number of cars on the road. It will get into Central London much quicker than the Piccadilly line does. At the moment, a taxi will be as quick as getting the train. That will no longer be the case for a very large number of journeys into central London. It will mean a good number of cars being removed from the A4.
Al Webber ● 2064d