Cycling and motoring advocacy groups have condemned Transport for London’s plans to overhaul Archway’s notoriously dangerous one-way system.
Proposed plans, which show the creation of a new two-way system and a public space, have been released for public consultation.
Cycling blogger George Johnston, who also organises the Westminster branch of the London Cycling Campaign, said the plans do not do enough for cyclists.
“I think changing it from a gyratory to a two-way system is neither here nor there with regards to cycling.
“The question is, are they putting in segregated space, because a two-way cycling system can be just as dangerous as a gyratory for people on bikes, especially if you’re trying to turn right. You’ve got traffic coming in two directions that you’ve got to navigate,” he said.
Though the new plans include some segregated cycling lanes, they do not extend to cover all parts of the road, with some roads having cycle boxes instead.
“It’s a political fudge. They’re making it safer for cycling, but not completely safe because I think they probably feel like they’d have too much backlash from motorists against the plans,” added Mr Johnston.
Motorists have also opposed the planned changes. The GMB, a national trade union that represents the interests of professional drivers, rubbished the proposals as “nonsensical”.
Steve Garelick, branch secretary of GMB London, said: “It’s a recipe for further congestion. In terms of fumes and other catalysts, it’s actually going to create a little black spot.”
“We don’t think it’s fit for purpose, we don’t think cyclists will abide by rules anyway they generally ignore cycle lanes anyway.
“When TfL are designing these schemes, they are sitting in an office thinking it’s a wonderful idea, but the reality is, they’re so detached you would almost think they’re in another country altogether.”
The Archway revamp has been broadly welcomed by the local community, with people voicing their support for the scrapping of the current system on social media and at the local ward partnership meeting.
TfL said: “The proposed changes would better balance the needs of all road users and make the area more welcoming.”
Photo: John Greenwood
So which cyclist has condemned the scheme?