LCN+ Cycle Routes
LCN+ is Transport for London's new network of cycle routes. It is intended to be a sparser network than the original LCN, with the emphasis of high quality strategic routes. The idea is to compliment the existing LCN rather than replace it.
New Town Centre Routes
CCC recognises that LCN+ is the best chance for improving conditions for cycling in Croydon. The original LCN+ plans for Croydon did not include the town centre, yet because it is a huge centre for transport, employment and retail, Croydon town centre is vital to very many journeys.
Map showing Croydon cycle routes
(Javascript required)
Scrollable map showing town centre routes
Blue = existing LCN route, Red = planned LCN+ route, Cyan = planned spur route
In August 2003, we met to discuss this with Derek Stidder (the Council's Group Engineer responsible for environmental transport) who recognised the need for better town centre routes. He agreed to try to progress this matter with TfL. Since then, we've had a series of positive meetings with Derek and TfL consultant Bob Castelijn. Route planning and progression has been formalised under TfL's standard LCN+ planning process.
Initially, the planned routes were the minimum needed: a single north-south and a single east-west route, both two-way. These would ensure that travel in all four directions is possible, compared with a single direction as at present (west; in all other directions you are currently forced onto lengthy detours via flyover, dual carriageways etc.)
Over time, the plans have changed and expanded. Even now things could still change; everything below is provisional - but to the best of our knowledge the routes will be:
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NS: London Road, North End, High Street, to link with existing north and southbound LCN
This is very direct, and will permit two-way cycling throughout. However due to very heavy pedestrian flows the North End section will remain a part time route. -
EW: George Street, Park Street, St. Georges Walk, Katharine Street, High Street, Whitgift Street (contraflow),
Scarbrook Road (contraflow), Church Road, Howley Road, Roman Way, St. John's Road, Waddon Road
Although not as direct as George Street, this will permit eastbound cycling and the extra distance is not great. Along Roman Way a short section of shared-use will be provided between Howley Road and the planned toucan crossing across Roman Way. An area of uncertainty is whether two-way cycling will be permitted in Howley Road. We would prefer this, but a contingency plan is that eastbound cyclists will go via Cranmer Road instead. Also, routing via Park Street will change to the full length of Katharine Street, assuming Park Place goes ahead (in fact plans may be changed soon in anticipation of that). -
NS alternative: London Road, Ruskin Road, Drayton Road, Frith Road (contraflow), Crown Hill, High Street
This will form an acceptably attractive and direct peak-time alternative route, for when North End is off-limits. It will also provide a useful link to the existing LCN in Ruskin Road. - Bedford Park: Added for linkage to Dingwall Road LCN.
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Proposed spur route: Hillside Road, Duppas Hill Terrace, Abbey Road, Waddon Road
This is not part of LCN+ but will hopefully be progressed not long after. The purpose is to provide some 10,000 people living in the 20mph Waddon estate with easier access to the new LCN+ routes (and existing LCN routes).
The plans have gained positive support from a number of councillors, retail representatives, schools etc. At present the proposed new routes appear on schedule for implementation in 2006.
