Key information
Petition presented by: Caroline Pidgeon
Date petition submitted: Wednesday 3 June 2015
Petition presented at: London Assembly Plenary
Summary of petition
"Let’s make Tooting Bec Road safe for all!
Tooting Bec Road is an ‘A’ Road, and as such is an important route for people moving both within, and passing through the area. The width of the road, not including the pavement, is at least 10.5m for a significant stretch from the tube to Tooting Lido.
Crossing this road on foot, or travelling along it by bicycle is not straightforward. We believe space exists for high quality segregated cycle routes to be placed on the road ensuring that people of whatever age or ability can chose to cycle locally. These tracks could be on each side of the road or a two-way cycle track could be provided on one side.
This narrowing of the carriageway should result in lower speeds by motorists, and make it easier for pedestrians and the less able to cross the road."
Response information
Name of person responding: The Mayor
Response date: Tuesday 4 August 2015
Thank you for your letter of 5 June 2015 and enclosed petition about the provision of cycling facilities along Tooting Bec Road. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.
The minimum standard for a two-way cycle facility is 3m, with some additional space needed depending on the form of segregation used. Along the A214, which has two general traffic lanes, there is potentially physical space for cycle lanes. As you will appreciate, the needs of cyclists need to be carefully balanced against those of other road users along this busy corridor, including bus passengers. Transport for London (TfL) would also need to carefully consider the needs of numerous retail and residential premises along the route, particularly in relation to parking and loading activity.
A key component of my ‘Vision for Cycling’ is to work with the London Boroughs to create a network of Quietways, which are pleasant backstreet routes that provide improved connections for cyclists away from the most heavily trafficked roads.
TfL is undertaking design work along the section of Tooting Bec Road between Dr Johnson Avenue and Aldrington Road to provide a cycle link, as part of a Quietway route to connect Croydon and Waterloo. The design is at an early stage. However, a bi-directional segregated cycle facility alongside the bridleway is one option under construction. You can find out more about the Quietways programme on TfL’s website at https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/quietwa…
TfL Will also continue to actively monitor collisions along the A214. Where particular issues are identified, TfL will of course allocate funding to further improvements for cyclists in future.
Thank you again for writing to me.