News
Could Croydon LCN+ exceed expectations?
Several LCC borough groups who've expressed a view are unhappy with the outcome of the "CRIMs" [Cycle Route Inspection Meetings to look at new LCN+ routes] that they've had. Happily our first CRIM, covering Croydon town centre, laid out a vision that exceeded expectations...
Consultant Bob Castelijn of Mayer Brown seems to like pulling rabbits from hats, because the presentation given at the start of the CRIM contained many improvements over the pre-CRIM report. Back on the plans is the criss-cross of north-south and east-west routes that is the absolute minimum needed to make the town centre even vaguely sane for cycling. Sensibly, the need for a North End bypass during shopping hours has also been considered, with a proposed two-way parallel route via Crown Hill, Frith Road, Drayton Road and Ruskin Road.
The aforegoing was stuff that had been proposed previously, but in addition the plans showed an east-side parallel route via Wellesley Road; not so much to many people's liking perhaps, but anything that can be done to improve conditions on that road should be welcomed. Further routes marked via Dingwall Road and Bedford Park would link with Roman Way and main east-west route to form a sort of ring route.
What are the snags? First it should be stressed that the primary purpose of CRIMs is to determine the alignments so that work on design can proceed; all this has to firmed up in a report, and we don't yet have a clear idea what cycle-friendly infrastructure will be introduced. However, in Croydon we are in a sense playing catch-up - merely legalising two-way cycling up currently restricted back streets, so that people can avoid long detours on much less pleasant and safe roads, would be a huge step forward. Second, the vibes are that TfL Buses may prove obstructive. Finally, we still don't know whether we'll get the political support for these routes, and unfortunately no councillor managed to attend the CRIM. The consultants and officers are counting on councillors being persuaded of the scheme's merits; we're engaging Cllr Gerry Ryan and his colleagues to try to get them more involved and to highlight the scheme's potential.
CRIMs for other Croydon routes are ongoing.
