Overview

Update - 5 February 2015

For information about construction work planned to start on Monday 9 February 2015, please visit http://tfl.gov.uk/cs2upgrade.



Update - 18 December 2014

Between 23 September and 2 November 2014, Transport for London (TfL) consulted on proposals for upgrades to the Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 2 (CS2) between Aldgate and Bow roundabout. We received 1,455 direct responses to the consultation, of which 89% supported or partially supported our proposals. We also received 2,215 supportive template emails submitted via the London Cycling Campaign website. With these emails, the support rate is 95%.

After considering the responses, we plan to proceed with the scheme with a number of changes, the most significant of which are:

Creating a 5 metre wide eastbound bus lane which will include a 2 metre wide mandatory cycle lane outside Whitechapel market to accommodate the specific needs of the market and its operation. We will maintain the existing inset loading bays and hours of operation. We will work with Whitechapel market traders to ensure that the bus lane and cycle track remain unobstructed along this section of the route. We will also use the existing bus stop designs in this location rather than bus stop bypasses, as the 5 metre bus lane leaves around 2 metres for cyclists to pass on the outside of buses. A drawing of the new design at Whitechapel market is available here.

Where a side road or property access does not create a break in the kerb segregation to allow cyclists to enter and leave the cycle track before a bus stop bypass, we will create a break to allow them to do so

Extending the loading bays outside Whitechapel Gallery to ensure that exhibitions and the deliveries and servicing of neighbouring local businesses can continue smoothly

The 25 metre parking bay at Goulston Street will be changed to a loading bay to increase loading provision in the area and meet the requirements of local businesses

Changes to the Barclays Cycle Hire docking station at New Road, including the removal of 10 docking points to leave 26 remaining

We will need to remove approximately 20 smaller trees and 2 larger trees. This number has increased from 18 since consultation following changes to the design and further investigations. We continue to investigate how to minimise the loss of trees and we are looking for new locations to replace trees wherever possible

Removing slightly less pavement space in some areas, including outside Mile End station and west of Adler Street



TfL will recommend to its Board that the CS2 upgrade progresses to construction as proposed in the consultation documents, subject to the changes described above and a number of other minor design alterations. Subject to a final decision by TfL Board, we plan to start construction work in early 2015.

Please see our Response to Consultation for a summary of the processes, responses and outcomes of the recent consultation, along with our response to issues commonly raised.

What we proposed

We proposed major improvements to Barclays Cycle Superhighway Route 2 (CS2) between Aldgate and Bow roundabout. We would create kerb and wand-separated cycle tracks along the whole route and new junctions to separate cyclists from other traffic. The proposals have been designed to greatly improve safety and comfort for cyclists.

Our proposals would change the road layout and the look of the street. This consultation was your chance to give us your views.

Detailed proposals for each section of the route are here.

Please note: This website was updated on 01/10/14 with additional information on benefits and impacts for other road users.

A visualisation of proposed segregated cycle tracks on Whitechapel High Street

Wh y did we propose this?

We are determined to ensure London’s roads are as safe as they can be for cyclists. CS2 runs on a busy and intimidating road, but currently offers cyclists no physical protection from motor traffic.

The number of cyclists on CS2 increased by 32 per cent in the year after the route opened.* At some points on the route, the average number of cyclists a day is around 2000 in each direction.** This upgrade would improve safety and convenience for these cyclists. It would also encourage the many people who would like to cycle but currently feel unable to do so.

*Source: TfL traffic counts, September 2010 - September 2012.

**Source: TfL central cordon count surveys.

A visualisation of proposed segregated cycle tracks on Bow Road

Proposed road layout changes

We proposed changes to the road layout to create space for cycling improvements. These included:

Kerb and wand-separated cycle tracks. A kerb would separate cyclists from motor traffic and buses along most of the route. Where there is less space, cyclists would be separated from traffic and buses by highly visible traffic ‘wands’ - regularly spaced flexible poles that clearly define the cycle track. There would be gaps for side roads, junctions and access to properties

Bus stop bypasses. We would install bus stop bypasses of the kind that already operate between Bow Roundabout and Stratford. Cyclists would be directed behind the bus stop on a carriageway-level cycle track. Bus passengers would access a waiting area by crossing the cycle track using a raised, marked crossing point



An overview of some of the main proposed changes is shown on this map.

Detailed proposals for each section of the route are available here.

New junction designs

We proposed two new types of junction along the route. These redesigned junctions would remove or reduce conflict between cyclists and left-turning vehicles. At some locations, we also proposed innovative methods of allowing cyclists to turn right and signals to allow cyclists to proceed ahead of other traffic, subject to Department for Transport approval.

Deta iled proposals for each section of the route

Please click here to view the detailed proposals for each section of the route between Bow and Aldgate.

How would the proposals affect other road use rs?

We would combine some bus stops that are close together and we propose adding another bus stop on Commercial Road

We would need to reduce the width of the footway in some areas to make room for the cycle track. However, we would increase the distance between the pavement and the road, creating a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and residents

For motorists, the vast majority of turns are unaffected. However, to achieve the necessary protection for cyclists at some junctions, we would need to ban four of the 63 turns available at the 11 signalised junctions along the route. These are shown on this map and described in more detail on the section-by-section proposals.

We would keep around 90 per cent of parking and loading, some of which would operate for less of the day

We would remove around 0.125 km of traffic lane along the 4.6 km route

We would have to remove approximately 20 trees. Where possible, we would replace trees

We are working closely with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to understand the needs of Whitechapel market traders. We aim to minimise the impact of the proposals on the operation of the market

Our latest analysis shows the proposals would mean longer journey times for motorists and bus, coach and taxi passengers along most of the route, both during construction and once complete. There would also be longer journey times for users of many of the roads approaching the proposed route and longer waits for pedestrians at some signalised crossings.

TfL is developing wider traffic management plans for central London to help reduce the traffic impacts of this scheme and others, including those proposed by London local authorities and developers. This will include investing in advanced traffic signal technology to allow us to better manage traffic depending on differing conditions at any given time. There will also be customer information to enable road users to make informed journey choices and campaigns to encourage road users to check before they travel.

Please click here for a summary of the benefits and impacts for other road users on routes through the proposed scheme area, including predicted changes to journey times.

Is this linked to works at Aldgate and Bow Rou ndabout?

The City of London is leading on a separate scheme to convert the Aldgate gyratory to two-way working, providing safe space for cyclists on Aldgate High Street, and to create a new public space.

We are working in partnership with the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham and other key stakeholders to deliver the Vision for Bow: to transform the Bow roundabout junction into a place which all road users will find accessible, safe and connected. We will consult on our proposals this winter.

Co nstruct ion work

Subject to a final decision by the TfL Board, we plan to start construction work in early 2015. Construction would cause some disruption, although we would work to minimise the impact as much as possible. We would write to local residents and businesses before undertaking work in their area.

How do I have my say?

This consultation closed on Sunday 2 November 2014.