Cycling is a great way to improve your mental and physical wellbeing, it’s low-cost, and often the quickest way to travel around the borough. So why is it that only 10% of Ealing residents are regular cyclists?
The simple answer is you want to feel safer.
More than 1,000 residents responded to Ealing Council’s Cycle Network Plan consultation last year and said that there aren’t enough safe cycling lanes to encourage them to get on their bikes.
But with the upcoming Cycle Network Plan, the council is actively working to change this, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of cycling without worrying about their safety.
New cycle lane plans
The latest plans, which are part of the council’s wider investment strategy to create a greener, healthier and safer borough, include extending a high-quality protected cycle track on Boston Road in Hanwell, a new protected cycle lane on Acton Lane (Park Royal), plus new two-way cycle tracks on Park Royal Road and Acton Lane, in Acton.
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said: “If we want to keep the borough of Ealing green, healthy and safe, we need to work together to change the way we travel around. We are heavily investing in improvements around the borough to support this, making it easier, safer and much more enjoyable to travel actively and sustainably when possible.”
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “These proposed changes will significantly improve cycle safety in these areas, and improve traffic flow in Park Royal, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling while freeing up space for those who rely on public transport or cars for mobility or caring reasons.
“Before we make any changes, I’d like to encourage you to share your views so we can understand how to make these improvements in the best way, causing minimal disruption, and ensuring the cycle lanes are fit for purpose for those who will be using them.”
Help shape the new cycle lanes and tracks
The council is committed to building protected cycle facilities on main roads where there is space and funding available, especially on roads that are currently frightening to cycle on. But, while these plans are set to go ahead, they need to be created in the best way for those who use them and live in the affected areas.
You can help shape travel in the borough by sharing your views via an online survey on the proposed plans by Friday 18 October:
Share your views on Hanwell plans
Share you views on Park Royal Road and Acton Lane plans (Park Royal)
See us in person
Ealing Council also invite you to share your views and ask questions on the Hanwell plans, in person:
8 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, St Thomas Church Hall, 182 Boston Road.
10 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, William Hobbayne Community Suite, Lower Boston Rd.
