London: Aldgate to Stratford Road (Olympic City) to be made a Cycling Superhighway

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London: Aldgate to Stratford Road (Olympic City) to be made a Cycling Superhighway

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The London Cycling Campaign have said that Transport for London and its partners have had a presentation of plans, on 29 October, to regenerate the notorious Aldgate to Stratford road into a thriving 'High Street', including a cycling corridor. This followed a public consultation in June and July. 

The London Cycling Campaign  added "As an aside, it's ironic to note that it could be along this same route that Olympic officials envisage being shuttled from the city centre to the games in over 3000 limousines."

It is interesting to note that Transport for London envisage a safe 'Cycling Corridor' on one of London's worst roads where several fatalities have occurred. 

Only a few days ago, Beaulieu, Now Public Constributor, reported that a police vehicle was involved in a major crash in Bow, mysteriously unreported by the press.

The Aldgate Gyratory System, which was a blackspot, has now made even worse with it's so-called 'refurbishments'.

There are now no cycle paths for cyclists to use, the roads are very narrow and highly congested, so much so, that even emergency ambulances, from the London Hospital, have a job to get through. At night, when it is raining with the worst of the British weather, the conditions at Aldgate, is utter chaos with sirens and horns, not to mention road works all over the place. 

Some local cyclists have commented that they were not  consulted and that the Aldgate Gyratory is 'a mess'. Some  refuse to even use it. It just encourages 'road rage' as tempers fray. 

Further down the road, towards Stratford, where the London2012 Olympics will be held, cyclists have to compete with 18 ton lorries at the Bow Flyover, and the roadworks near this area, have narrowed  so cyclists have to face even more dangers. By law, cyclists are not allowed to use the wide and empty pavement nearby.  Bow Flyover is, of  course, another blackspot, with no safe cycle paths on this proposed 'cycling corridor'. The bus/cycle lanes suddenly stop way before the roundabout where it is needed.  Yesterday, I even saw a vehicle reverse towards motorists, going at least 50mph, at the Flyover.

Furthermore, cyclists have to put up with vehicles illegally using the wide bus and cycle lanes along Stepney because the road is so congested, despite the signs saying they are excluded in rush hour. In Whitechapel, on this busy road, I saw a vehicle suddenly U turn in front of me.

As someone who regularly cycles here (and gets off from time to time!) an off road cycle corridor is recommended although something needs to be done about tackling the pollution as it is so congested.

Cyclists can cycle in the side roads avoiding some of the heavy lorries but Transport for London appear to want cyclists to mingle with the traffic. 

The current Aldgate to Stratford route is totally unsuited for inexperienced cyclists.  I would even say, it isn't safe enough for advanced motorists either, like the police!

Beaulieu, challenges, the new Major of London, who has inherited this from the previous Mayor, to cycle here in rush hour, if he dares. What may look good on paper, may not be good in reality.

A second presentation will be held in November in the Town Hall in Newham. Those unable to attend the presentation can send feedback on this via mail@soundingsoffice.com