Today it has been decided that Boris Johnson’s cycle superhighway can pass in front of Buckingham Palace.
The issue has been debated for the past 6 months resulting in a stand off between The Royal Parks and City Hall. Today is has finally been resolved with a consultation ongoing on how to create the two way, segregated route in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial.
The hold up was due to fears that the 300m gap between Constitution Hill and Birdcage Walk left cyclists without any protection from vehicles. The newly appointed chief executive of The Royal Parks has been instrumental in reaching a happy outcome for all. Transport for London’s 18 mile cross rail proposal for cyclists was proposed to the previous chief exec. The cross rail hopes to pass through many of London’s most iconic places including Hyde Park, St James’ Park, Green Park and then to Acton and Barton. Whilst it’s rumoured that The Royal Household never had any objections to the plans, the executive previously in the role had criticized the plan on numerous points.
The area in question is located just infront of the palace and is considered one of London’s most problematic roads due to traffic switching lanes at fast paces whilst thousands of tourists gather to see Buckingham.
It has been proposed and agreed that removable bollards will be set in place and used to separate vehicles and cyclists, ultimately leading to the loss of one traffic lane. The new route is hoped to unveiled next summer for a year as a trial. It was decided the bollards needed to be removable for any ceremonial occasions in which case cyclists will be diverted to an existing off road route which goes past the Mall.
Boris Johnson has stated that he hopes the cycling cross rail will be one of the world’s best cycling routes. Johnson also expressed his delight at being able to reach an agreement with the Royal Parks and Johnson paid special tribute to the agency’s new chief executive and TfL officers for their hard work in making the plans possible.
We’d love to hear what you guys think of the new plans; Will it be safe? Is it worth the cost? We are happy to hear of any plans that encourage people to cycle, as long as it’s safe!