Wandsworth Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy - December 2021

Introduction

There is much that is laudable in this strategy and little with which we would disagree.  We are disappointed, however, that while the targets for changes in behaviour on page 12 are set in precise terms, most of the actions to be taken by the Council are highly generalised and non-specific. Rather, they talk of reviewing, improving, prioritising, transforming and so on in non-specific terms, combined with phrases like 'as much (or as many) as possible'. There are thus no targets set for these activities, nor is it stated how they, still less their impact or effectiveness, will be monitored.

Additionally the document fails to recognise areas where the Council’s planning policies have allowed the problems identified in the documentation and sets down actions such as the removal of the Wandsworth gyratory which lack of funds render unlikely to be progressed within the next ten years.

We are supportive of cycling but equally of walking and it is notable that in most cases cycling and walking are linked rather than each being the focus of individual action.  There is a major failure in the lack of recognition of the need actively to manage shared spaces as is done in cities such as Copenhagen and Vancouver.  Such management benefits walkers and cyclists alike.

A specific department should be made responsible for each action.  The statement that: “Responsibility for delivery of this strategy will be shared principally between the Council’s Transport Strategy, Highways and Air Quality teams” does not inspire confidence.

Given the inevitable restrictions on staff and financial resources it would have been helpful to have had an appended summary of priorities, timing and the name of the responsible department.

Format of Response

We have picked up on a number of points within the narrative section of the strategy and then added a response tied to the main action headings. For the sake of concision we do not repeatedly say we endorse and support a proposed action (which in most cases we do) but rather give views based on our experience of these issues in practise. We would, of course, be happy to meet Council officials to talk through these responses should this be helpful.

General Points

Targets

Some targets could be more ambitious and all should be age-related. In the case of school children more should be done to encourage schemes such as ‘walking trains’ to bring together children on a walk from home to school.

There is heavy use of buses at the start and end of the school day even for quite short journeys.  Bus stops near schools could be monitored to identify where this is happening and schemes set up with the school to encourage more walking.

It is unlikely that those of the elderly who have never cycled in London will start now – especially given that the whole point of cycle lanes is to allow speedy cycling.

Low Traffic Areas near schools

The School Streets initiatives have been worthwhile and should be rolled out to more schools. However, by observation there are still many car journeys tied to school journeys and low traffic areas do make it easier for the cars picking up schoolchildren to park. The Council needs to work actively with schools to discourage this. All low traffic areas should be reviewed in relation to the wider road network rather than being seen in isolation.

 1. We will improve access for all including those with disabilities and/ or limited mobility

 A boards:  Awareness is not enough, retailers need to be required to remove clutter

Council owned street furniture:  More should be done including tackling the clutter around Clapham Junction station in St. John’s Hill which is made hazardous and congested by the cycle racks which should be relocated to Prested Road; and relocating the Santander bicycle racks on Battersea Park Road near the library which encroach onto the footway.  The latter could be relocated to the paved area between Austin Road and Battersea Park Road.

Bus Stops:  No mention is made of the need to work with TfL to ensure the closed side faces the road and that the structure allows for pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs to pass.

Phone Boxes aka Advertising Hoardings:  The Council should allocate resources to remove these.  We are surprised at the omission of any mention of this pavement clutter.

2.  We will strive to have the best quality pavements in London

The planning department should work harder to ensure that developers cease building to the very edge of their site and allow for more generous pavements/footways.

Pavements in conservation areas should be repaired like for like with the short term fix of tarmac resisted in favour of more durable and appropriate paving. Where new paving is laid strong quality control must be adopted. Recent new paving in roads adjacent to Battersea Park already suffers uneven flagstones. This is a potential trip hazard. In addition where uneven, flagstones readily crack ans become unsafe and, especially in Conservation Areas, detract from the amenity of the area.

Trees should be better integrated into street design to ensure they receive adequate water and to help mitigate against surface water flooding. 

Improving the pedestrian and cycling environment under railways bridges:  Falcon Road is an absolute priority for cleaning and creative lighting.  It is shameful that the lack of resources for a £m + refurbishment has led to inaction over many years. The rationale seems to be that cleaning would need to be repeated so better not to do it at all. It is acknowledged that this tunnel is dark and unwelcoming during the day when there is no lighting.

Construction Hoardings:  Too often hoardings go beyond the site barrier and reduce the width of the pavement.  This appears to be a symptom of developers building to the edge of the site and should be discouraged.  In addition, such footway obstruction should be removed as soon as possible.

3.  We will make it easier for people walking and cycling to cross busy streets

These are sensible suggestions

4.  We will make it safer and easier to cross side roads

Firmer action is needed in relation to food delivery cycles and scooters such as Deliveroo and Getr.  The companies should require their deliverers to be aware of pedestrians, avoid weaving in and out of traffic and using the footway.  Attention should be paid to access routes into and out of the sites from which this type of service operates, for example wholesale warehouses and ‘dark’ kitchens in railway arches and around Ingate Place off Queenstown Road.

5.  We will transform the look and feel of many of our high streets through schemes that include high-quality public realm improvements, including the removal of the Wandsworth Gyratory.

What schemes?  When?  Clapham Junction should be a priority.

6.  We will look after the borough’s public rights of way, including alleys and paths through parks and along the river walks

Here again, no mention is made of the need to manage shared use by pedestrians and cyclists but rather a note that cyclists will be encouraged to use more off road paths.  We do appreciate that the majority of cyclists are thoughtful and pose no harm to pedestrians but the few spoil it for the many.  Cyclists along the river walk use all parts of the footway and some cycle fast – we can only emphasise:  shared space must be managed. And enforced.

7. We will provide more high-quality cycle parking throughout the borough

High-quality should also mean attractively designed.  There is room for innovative schemes such as those highlighted by the competition currently being run by the London Festival of Architecture alongside Network Rail

8.  We will introduce contraflow cycling on all roads in the borough where there is a benefit to cycle journeys and road geometry

By observation this is already happening.

9. Create a core cycle network across the borough, including both upgrading of existing Cycle Superhighways and the creation of new Cycleway branded routes, starting with Queenstown Road.

Car parking on Battersea Park Road should be reviewed and for the most part removed.  It is ridiculous that cycle lanes are blocked by cars parking free on the highway due to historic anomalies and despite in most cases adequate off road parking being available for short term use.

10. We will support the start and end leg of public transport journeys

More needs to be done on the details of this including the location of pedestrian crossings.  Desire lines to stops/stations do not necessarily marry with formal road crossings, such as Falcon Road to Grant Road.

11.  We will enable more people to try cycling by promoting our existing free cycle training offer and continuing to offer the Peddle My Wheels ‘Try before you bike’ scheme.

Is there any role for an increase in tricycle use by older adults?

12.  We will raise awareness of new and existing infrastructure

There should be a specific commitment to work with developers to provide waymarking within larger schemes and in Nine Elms through the linear park to link into public transport stops.