A new cycle lane has been opened along the Greenford Road as part of the council’s new plan to increase safety for cyclists.

The two-way, segregated cycle track, which runs between Oldfield Lane North and Green Park Way, was visited by Councillor Peter Mason, the leader of Ealing council, and Councillor Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, to mark the official opening of the newly completed route.

The improvements come as the council unveils its ambitious cycle network plan for the next 10 years.

This draft programme will see the council invest at least £10m to increase cycling, walking, running, and scooting and reduce polluting vehicles through active travel schemes.

Councillor Mason said: “Walking and cycling, and other kinds of active travel are really important not only for improving air quality locally but also for our health and wellbeing. As a council, we are committed to improving our roads, pavements and cycle tracks to make them safer for pedestrians, cyclists and all road users in the borough.

“These improvements at Greenford Road were undertaken after consultation with residents, because local people know what’s best for their areas. That’s the approach we’re taking throughout our 10-year cycle network plan.”

The cycle tracks on Greenford Road, along with 3 new parallel zebra crossings, which can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists, are part of major upgrades to the road to encourage more people to walk and cycle and make the busy road safer.

The carriageway has been narrowed, reducing vehicle speeds and encourage drivers to keep to the 20mph speed limit.

Improvements to existing traffic signals at Berkeley Avenue and Horsenden Lane North and the closure of Oldfield Lane North junction with Greenford Road simplify traffic movements in the area.

Councillor Costigan said: “We have been expanding the network of cycle routes in the borough every year. The cycle network plan will help realise our ambitions to significantly ramp up delivery of cycle schemes and improve the integration of the network, reducing gaps by connecting up existing cycle ways.

“Helping more people to walk or cycle, especially for short, everyday journeys, will not only help us clean up our dirty air, reduce congestion and tackle the climate crisis, it will also help ensure we can all live longer, healthier lives.”

The cycle plan will go out for a final round of consultation with local residents in January to ensure it fully reflects the needs of residents.