Well after years of staff changes, funding cuts and prevarication, finally Islington Council has made Bunhill Row 2 way for cyclists. Southbound cycling is legally permitted. Please note that no residents parking places were harmed in the making of this cycle route.
After a few emails from cyclists in 2011, Bunhill ward councillors got behind the scheme, in particular councillor Councillor Claudia Webbe and things moved forward.
However we still don’t have a complete north-south route from Islington to the City. The remaining problem is Bath Street.
As Islington Council officers say:
With regard to the City Rd / Bath St junction, this TfL junction is still a barrier to completing the north-south route which incorporates Sheperdess Walk, Bath St, Bunhill Row and the City of London now adding Moor St contraflow facility (south of Chiswell St).
TfL say:
TfL are aware that the northern end of Bath Street at the junction with City Road could be altered to improve cycle connectivity and remove the need for cyclists to travel southbound via Old Street Roundabout. A scheme to look at possible options at this location was on the 2012/13 programme, however due to resource issues I have had to put it back to next year (subject to the programme prioritisation process conducted at the start of 2013).
I am still keen to improve this area and develop a scheme that compliments the Bunhill Road two-way project. Hopefully I will be able to update you further with more positive news towards the start of 2013.
ICAG may need to push things along!
A bit late but I wondered if there were any developments on the Shepherdess Walk-Bath St crossing?
It’s close to construction.