Work on London’s first fully segregated cycle-friendly roundabout has started in Wandsworth this week.
The redesign of Queens Circus Roundabout in north Battersea will see cyclists separated from other traffic and provide new pedestrian crossings.
The cycle friendly scheme is thought to be the first of its kind in London and has been developed in partnership between Wandsworth Council, Transport for London (TFL) and Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC).
The project is one part of an ambitious plan to overhaul large sections of the street network in Nine Elms on the South Bank. The long-term aim is to make Nine Elms one of the most cycle and pedestrian friendly districts in central London.
The roundabout works are being funded by nearby development sites and managed by Blu-3 who work for the developers. The project will be undertaken in phases and is expected to finish in summer 2015.
The council’s transport spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “This is an innovative design and we expect it will be the first major roundabout in London which separates cyclists from other traffic in this way. There will be segregated cycle lanes and the points at which riders cross the road will be controlled by traffic lights to avoid any potential conflict. We hope this will be a blueprint others can follow.
“We’re able to provide extra space for the cycle lanes by reducing the size of the roundabout’s central island. This means the space for other traffic is maintained and overall traffic can be better managed through this busy junction.”
Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport at TfL, added: “London is embracing cycling like never before, with world class races taking place throughout the summer and new cycle routes now being planned and delivered across all 33 boroughs.
“These ambitious and innovative plans for Queens Circus will deliver improvements for cyclists while also making the environment better for pedestrians and other road users, helping deliver the wider aspirations of the Mayors Vision for Cycling.”
At this year's Seeing is Believing, the latest cycle safety initiatives, including Dutch-style roundabouts will be simulated on the MiniDigiSim at the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) Trial Zone. Registration for this year's event, which is taking place at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire from 19 to 20 November, is now open. For further information visit www.sib.uk.net.
