Islington’s cyclists are being forced to use unsafe junctions as Islington Council lacks funding and resources to improve them, according to a cyclists’ group.
The Treasurer of Cycle Islington (CI) John Hartley said this is especially important, as the area lacks safer alternatives to these dangerous routes for cyclists to use.
The campaigners also want Transport for London (TfL), responsible for maintaining many London junctions, to prioritise the safety of cyclists (the most vulnerable road users) as much as the efficiency of bus routes.
Mr Hartley said: “[Islington Council] have their hearts in the right place, but they are strapped for funds and resources; so they can only do so many things.”
“I have a lot of sympathy for [the council]. We do continue to tell them that they need to do something, and it’s not like they are not doing anything. They have made several changes and they do work hard to make things better,” he added.
CI recognises “changing junctions is a difficult task”, but that those in charge of the roads “could definitely do better”.
Mr Hartley mentioned the Holborn junction, where Dr Marta Krawiec and Shatha Ali died while cycling in 2021 and 2022. He said: “Look how it took several deaths to make Holborn slightly safer for cyclists. It’s unfortunate how sometimes it takes a death or number of deaths or serious injuries before something actually gets done.”
He also pointed out the role of TfL in ensuring cycle safety.
He said: “TfL wants the buses to run efficiently, and unfortunately a lot of major junctions are on bus routes. So, they are very wary about doing anything which will slow down the buses. With my sustainable hat on, I understand their point – but my cyclist’s hat wants quick changes.”
