Southwark launches London’s latest Quietway cycle route
12 October 2018
The latest section of TfL’s London wide Quietway cycle network has launched in Southwark. Cllr Richard Livingstone, Cabinet Member for environment, highways management and air quality, joined Will Norman, City Hall’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, to ride the route and declare it open on 11 October.
The first section of the new Quietway 14 (Q14) route runs from Blackfriars Road to Tower Bridge Road, starting at Nicholson Street and passing along quiet back streets, parallel to and just south of Southwark Street. It continues past London Bridge Station and Guys Hospital, to arrive at the Tower Bridge Road and Tanner Street junction.
The Quietway network is funded by TfL, it forms continuous and convenient cycle routes on less-busy backstreets across London. The routes are clearly marked with purple signs to help cyclists find their way. Quietways are ideal for people who prefer to cycle on quieter streets, especially if they are new to cycling in London. Southwark’s Quietways are designed to make roads healthier and safer for all road users.
Q14 benefits from measures including: banning motor vehicles from sections of the route, creating contra-flow cycle lanes on one-way streets, junction improvements, new surfacing for cyclists and pedestrians and direction signs throughout.
Looking into the future, TfL has committed funding to extend Q14 on to Canada Water and the borough boundary at South Dock, in coming years.
Southwark Council delivered the very first Quietway in 2016, the council and TfL continue to work hard on the programme, with four further routes under construction and development.
Cllr Richard Livingstone said: “Southwark Council is committed to getting people cycling and walking and our new Quietway 14 route in Borough and Bermondsey is specially designed to help people take their first step, or pedal, to the shops, the library, or to school.
“Walking and cycling are wonderful ways to stay healthy, and to fit exercise into your daily routine, while also helping to clean Southwark’s air. I hope Q14 will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and start taking short trips on foot or by bicycle.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said ““I’m delighted this new Quietway route is being officially opened today as part of our growing network across the capital. Given the damaging impact toxic air has on our city, it is vital that we do all we can to enable more Londoners to cycle and reduce journeys by car.
“The latest figures show that Quietways are leading to a big increase in cycling with 24,000 bike journeys on Quietway 2 within its first week of opening. It is great to see that Londoners of all ages and abilities are embracing the opportunity to ride safely on backstreets and now many more people will be able to benefit.”
Page last updated: 12 October 2018
