Briefing Note
The Central London Cycle Grid ‘Quietways’ Proposals
1. Transport for London (TfL) is proposing to introduce a network of ‘Quietways’
cycle routes across central London known as the Grid. The Grid forms part of the
Mayor of London’s Vision for Cycling, and seeks to deliver high quality routes that
can accommodate high volumes of cyclists within central London on borough
roads. The Grid is being designed to provide links to existing and proposed Cycle
Super Highways (key east/west and north/south routes) and new and existing
outer London routes.
2. TfL has earmarked £913m to deliver the vision, of which approximately £54m is
being directed towards the delivery of the Grid across London. It is intended that
this investment will deliver a step-change in cycling provision that will support the
growing numbers of cyclists in central London, as well as improve safety and
create confidence. TfL’s ambition is to deliver 50% of the central London Grid by
2016.
3. To qualify for funding to deliver these routes the Council has been working with
TfL to develop proposals for the Islington section of the proposed Grid. These
routes have been developed on the basis that they are subject to consultation with
affected ward members, stakeholders and the public. The routes that affect
Islington are described in the table and map below and have been prepared in
discussion with Camden, Hackney and the City to ensure the routes are aligned
and delivery of them is coordinated.
4. TfL has informed us that the Mayor will announce the start of a public consultation
process on 18 December 2013. As part of this announcement TfL intend to
publish the proposed Grid route options. The precise details of this public
consultation and the materials they intend to use were not shared with the central
London boroughs in sufficient time to allow meaningful engagement.
5. The Council has resisted the short notice start date for the stakeholder
engagement proposed by the Mayor and TfL for three reasons:
 The routes have not yet been discussed with affected members or ICAG;
 TfL has not yet confirmed the funding available to the Council to begin
developing design proposals for the proposed routes; and
 These decisions involve an ambitious and controversial set of proposals
and are being made in a hurry. The programme should be carefully agreed
between the parties prior to stakeholder engagement so that a consistent
message is delivered and scope for confusion minimised.
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Proposed next steps
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The Council will discuss the proposed routes with affected ward members
and ICAG and make any necessary changes to the route proposals.
The route proposals that affect Islington will be agreed between the Council,
TfL and neighbouring boroughs.
TfL will be asked to provide confirmation that funding is available to begin
route feasibility studies and design work.
Any future public consultation materials will be prepared by TfL and provided
to the Council for comment and agreement.
TfL will be asked to provide details of any responses they receive from
Islington residents and businesses, and report on the outcome of the public
consultation ahead of publication of the report.
The Council will set up a web-page to direct interested persons to the TfL
website, and provide a Council contact if they have any comments or want to
discuss the proposals.
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Central London Cycle Grid draft proposals
Routes proposed for feasibility and design studies
Route 1 – Clerkenwell Road - Old Street Roundabout
Wards - Bunhill, Clerkenwell
Measures to be considered include: cycle lane segregation, alterations to bus lanes and stops along the
wider sections of the route and an assessment of signalised junctions for cycle facility improvements.
Route 2 - Penton Street, Amwell Street, Rosoman Street, Skinner Street, Percival Street, Lever Street,
Bath Street, Bunhill Row, Chiswell Street, Finsbury Square
Wards - Bunhill, Clerkenwell, Barnsbury
Measures may include: traffic signals alterations, traffic management improvements and cycle facility
upgrades.
Route 3 - Lloyd Baker Street (& Wharton St), River St, Myddleton Sq, Chadwell St, Owen St,
Colebrook Row, Gerrad Rd Burgh St, Arlington Avenue
Wards - Clerkenwell, Bunhill, St Peter’s
Measures may include: surface repairs, provision of cycle contraflow lanes and traffic management
improvements.
Route 4 - Vincent Tce, Graham St, Central St, Golden Lane, Banner St, Featherstone St, Leonard St
Wards – St Peter’s, Bunhill
Measures may include: traffic management measures and the provision of improved cycle facilities.
Route 5 - St John Street
Wards – Clerkenwell, Bunhill
Measures may include: surface repairs and the provision of cycle lanes. The scheme includes a review and
assessment of signalised junctions along the route.
Route 6 - Ray St, Farringdon Lane, Turnmill St, Cowcross Street
Wards - Clerkenwell
This route links to TfL’s proposed north / south cycle superhighway. Measures may include: the provision of
traffic signal improvements, contraflow cycle lane provision and road safety improvements along the route.
Route 7 - Wharfedale Rd, Killick St, Collier St, Donegal St
Wards - Caledonian, Barnsbury
Measures may include: a road closure, cycle permeability, segregated cycle lanes and TfL signal upgrades.
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