Overview

We want your views on proposals to transform roads in Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Deptford and Greenwich to make cycling and walking easier, safer and more appealing.

Cycle Superhighway 4 (CS4) would provide a continuous segregated cycle route between Tower Bridge and Greenwich, along with new pedestrian crossings, improved public spaces and a host of other improvements aimed at creating a more attractive environment for all users and accommodating the area’s future growth. This consultation does not include proposals for Lower Road, which will be consulted on at a later date (find out more).

CS4 would form part of London’s expanding network of Cycle Superhighways, an important part of the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy and Healthy Streets Approach, which aim to encourage walking, cycling and public transport, making London greener, healthier and more pleasant.

Summary of proposed changes

Our proposals for CS4 include:

Two-way segregated cycle track on Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road, providing a dedicated space for people who want to cycle

Five new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings and upgrades to over 20 existing pedestrian crossings, making it easier and safer to cross the road

Building on the recent short-term improvements at Rotherhithe Roundabout by redesigning the roundabout to improve safety as part of our Safer Junctions programme.

Installing a new eastbound bus gate on the Jamaica Road approach to Rotherhithe Roundabout, giving buses priority at the roundabout and improving bus access to Lower Road

New and improved public spaces at Deptford High Street and Rotherhithe Roundabout, including new paving and trees

New traffic restrictions, including banned turns on some side roads along Jamaica Road and at Deptford High Street

Changes to some bus stop layouts and locations, including new bus stop bypasses for cyclists (find out more about bus stop bypasses)

Map of proposed changes

View a larger version of the above map (PDF)

Our proposals in detail

For more information about CS4, please see the sections below:

Section 1 – Tooley Street / Tower Bridge Road

Section 2 – Jamaica Road / Bevington Street

Section 3 – Jamaica Road / Southwark Park Road

Section 4 – Rotherhithe Roundabout

Section 5 – Lower Road

Section 6 – Evelyn Street / Oxestalls Road

Section 7 – Evelyn Street / Abinger Grove

Section 8 – Evelyn Street / Deptford High Street

Section 9 – Creek Road / Deptford Church Street

Section 10 – Creek Road / Norway Street

Why are we proposing CS4?

Around 3,500 trips are already being made daily by people cycling along the A200. In addition, this route has some of the highest numbers of pedestrian numbers in London. CS4 is designed to help us meet the target set out in the Mayor’s draft Transport Strategy of changing the way people choose to travel so that, by 2041, 80 per cent of all trips in London are made by walking, cycling or public transport, up from 64 per cent today.

Above: Photo of Jamaica Road as it is now

Above: Computer-generated image of Jamaica Road as it could look after CS4

Improving safety

Safety is one of the main barriers to cycling in London. Between September 2013 and August 2016, there were 93 recorded collisions involving cyclists and 49 recorded collisions involving pedestrians along this section of the A200. Our research shows that, were the route safer, more journeys could be made on foot or by cycle.

CS4 would separate cyclists from motor traffic by providing kerbed cycle tracks along its length. At major junctions, cycles would be separated from motor traffic using cycling-specific traffic light phases to reduce the risk of collisions. Our proposals also include major safety improvements at Rotherhithe Roundabout, which was identified as a priority for changes as part of our Safer Junctions programme.

Above: Photo of Rotherhithe Roundabout as it is now

Above: Computer-generated image of Rotherhithe Roundabout as it could look after CS4

Encouraging active travel in south-east London

Cycling is now a major mode of transport in London. There are more than 670,000 cycle trips a day in the capital, an increase of over 130 per cent since 2000. The introduction of the East-West and North-South Cycle Superhighways has seen a significant increase in cycling as a mode of transport along those routes.

An emerging network of Cycle Superhighways exists in north, south and east London, but none yet in south-east London. Our proposals would bring a high-quality cycle facility to south-east London, encouraging more people to start cycling. Our analysis shows that sections of Tooley Street and Jamaica Road are among the top one per cent of areas for cycle demand in London, while the entire CS4 route is in the top five per cent.

Improving facilities for cycling and walking along the proposed CS4 route would not only benefit those who currently walk and cycle, but could also have a positive effect on public health by increasing the levels of physical activity in the area. Our research shows that sections of the proposed route are in the top one per cent of London’s road network for its potential to switch from vehicles to cycling as a means of transport. The majority of the route is in the top five per cent. There is also great potential to encourage people to switch from making short vehicle trips to walking.

These proposals form part of the Mayor of London’s plan for Healthy Streets. This is a long-term vision to encourage more Londoners to walk and cycle by making London’s streets healthier, safer and more welcoming. Currently, only 34% of Londoners take 20 minutes of physical activity on any given day. The new cycle facilities and pedestrian improvements are designed to help encourage more people to use active and sustainable modes of transport.

Above: Photo of Jamaica Road by Bermondsey Station as it is now

Above: Computer-generated image of Jamaica Road by Bermondsey Station as it could look after CS4

Improving places

Our proposals would help connect Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Deptford and Greenwich, linking important amenities and facilities, making them more pleasant places to live, work, shop and spend time. We would install new seating areas and cycle parking to provide space for people to rest and spend time in these town centres, along with other improvements such as new plants and trees. Our proposals aim to create more welcoming and inclusive streets for individuals and communities to enjoy.

Above: Photo of Evelyn Street / Deptford High Street as it is now

Above: Computer Generated Image (CGI) of Evelyn Street / Deptford High Street as it could look after CS4

Joined-up improvements to accommodate growth

London is growing and changing, with the city's population forecast to rise from 9 million people today to 10.5 million in 2041. We must find new ways to plan London's growth, including proposals like CS4 to encourage healthy and sustainable transport. CS4 is part of a package of planned and proposed improvements aimed at helping this part of south-east London accommodate expected growth, including the regeneration of Canada Water, recent improvements made to ease congestion at Rotherhithe Roundabout, and the proposed Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf river crossing.

Where would CS4 go?

The proposed route would run along Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road, linking Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Deptford and Greenwich.

Lower Road

This consultation does not include proposals for Lower Road, which will be consulted on at a later date. Lower Road is adjacent to Canada Water, an area that will see major regeneration and development in the next few years. To understand how these developments and future transport schemes would affect the existing road network, we have jointly commissioned a Strategic Transport Study with the London Borough of Southwark. When completed, this study will inform the design for Lower Road, ensuring that it meets the future needs of the community.

What is proposed for CS4?

Improvements for cycling

New two-way segregated cycle track on the north side of Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road replaces some bus and general traffic lanes

Cycle track switches to the south side at the junction with Southwark Park Road to bypass Rotherhithe Roundabout

Proposals for the Lower Road section to be consulted on at a later date

Cyclists bypass traffic light controlled junctions at Abbey Street and Deptford Church Street

Cyclists are separately controlled by signals at all other junctions

Connection to proposed cycling Quietway 14 at Tanner Street (find out more about Tanner Street)

Road design and layout

Some general traffic lane replaced by new two-way segregated cycle track Redesigned and improved geometry of Rotherhithe Roundabout to encourage better lane discipline and assist all through movements

Left turn lane on Jamaica Road extended to reduce queueing time for buses and local traffic trying to access Brunel Road

Removal of some central reservation on Jamaica Road to accommodate new cycling facilities

Mini-roundabout replaces signalised junction at Oxestalls Road

Removal of centre line markings on some sections of Evelyn Street to improve road safety

Making Shad Thames one-way northbound to improve the performance of the junction and reduce pedestrian wait times

Banning the left turn from Jamaica Road into Bevington Street to provide a continuous eastbound bus lane and improve bus journeys

Making Cathy Street one-way northbound to remove through-traffic from residential roads, while allowing a new right turn into Cathay Street from Jamaica Road to improve local access

Making Marigold Street exit-only on to Jamaica Road to improve safety for all road users

Banning the right turn into Evelyn Street from Watergate Street and Deptford High Street, and banning the right turn into Deptford High Street from Evelyn Street

Change to buses

Some bus lane replaced by new two-way segregated cycle track on Jamaica Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road

New eastbound bus gate on the Jamaica Road approach to Rotherhithe Roundabout to prioritise bus access to Lower Road

Changes to bus stop locations along Evelyn Street

Changes to some bus stop layouts, including new bus stop bypasses for cyclists (find out more about bus stop bypasses)

Improvements for walking

Five new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, including three along Jamaica Road

Upgrades to existing pedestrian crossings including simpler 8-metre wide crossing outside Bermondsey Station

6-metre wide toucan crossing (for pedestrians and cyclists) outside Deptford Park Primary school

6-metre wide pedestrian crossing on desire line opposite Deptford High Street

Pedestrian crossing on the eastern arm of the Norway Street / Creek Road junction moved to the western arm and widened to 6 metres.

Pedestrian crossing time saving of over 1 minute expected outside Bermondsey Station and at the Jamaica Road junction with Tanner Street

Predicted impacts of our proposals

We are proposing major changes to the road layout to make cycling and walking easier, safer and more appealing. We have considered all road users throughout the design process so as not to have a disproportionate impact on any one group. This section summarises the impacts we predict our proposals to have on different road users.

General traffic and bus journey times

The reallocation of road space is expected to change some journey times and traffic movements. We have carried out traffic modelling to predict how the proposals might affect journey times and traffic movement through the area affected by the scheme. A summary of this analysis is available below:

Read a summary of our traffic modelling for CS4

We would actively monitor and manage traffic conditions following delivery of the scheme. We are investing in advanced traffic signal technology to allow us to better manage traffic depending on differing conditions at any given time, and we are working to improve road user information so people can make informed journey choices before they travel.

Parking and loading

Our proposals for CS4 include changes to the layouts of some of the parking and loading bays along the route. Double yellow lines (no parking at any time) would also replace single yellow lines along some sections of Evelyn Street and Creek Road.

During the consultation period, we will contact premises we think could be affected by these changes. If you think the proposals could affect you or your business, please contact us to let us know (contact details are at the bottom of this page). We encourage you to discuss these proposals with your suppliers.

Environment

Our proposals aim to improve the quality of life in the area by:

Reducing the dominance of motor traffic, allowing people to better enjoy the area

Improving pedestrian crossings and cycle facilities, to encourage more people to walk and cycle through the area

Protecting bus journey times to safeguard public transport as a mode of choice

Although not a traffic-generating scheme, our proposals would change how traffic moves around the area, which may result in some associated and localised changes in air quality and noise levels. Environmental surveys and modelling would take place as part of our ongoing evaluation of these proposals.

Air pollution is one of the most significant challenges facing London, affecting the health of all Londoners. As part of the plans for new measures to tackle London’s current poor air quality, we are consulting on proposals to bring forward the introduction of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

A number of other schemes to improve London’s air quality are planned, including taking steps to reduce air pollution from our bus fleet, reducing emissions from taxis and private hire vehicles, setting up five Low Emission Neighbourhoods, and expanding the electric vehicle charging network and making it simpler to use.

We are investing to make London’s streets healthy, safe and attractive places to walk and cycle. Enabling more journeys to be made on foot or by bike can help reduce private vehicle use and associated emissions. Read more about how we are creating Healthy Streets

Equalities

How we fulfil our obligations under the Equality Act 2010

We are subject to the general public sector equality duty set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, which requires us to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations by reference to people with protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. As part of our decision-making process on the proposals for Cycle Superhighways, we have had due regard to any impacts on those with protected characteristics and the need to ensure that their interests are taken into account.

In considering the design of our streets, we closely consider the needs of all users throughout the design process. On significant infrastructure projects, such as Cycle Superhighways, we:

Complete Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) at the outset of the project, to review potential impacts on equality target groups, including disabled people

Carry out public consultations, including targeted engagement with specific users such as (among many others): Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs, Age UK, Transport for All, and National Autistic Society

Ensure we comply with established guidance – such as the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – which includes detailed requirements for disabled people

The EQIA completed for CS4 shows positive impacts for black and ethnic minority groups, females, disabled cyclists, and cyclists under 25 and over 65 years of age. Positive impacts have also been identified for disabled pedestrians, as the scheme involves a number of improvements to pedestrian facilities, including wider footways and new and improved crossings. Some negative impacts have been identified where footways are cut back or shared-use footway is introduced. However, the minimum 2-metre standard for footway widths has been maintained to allow two wheelchair users to pass safely. Kerb-protected cycle facilities, which lead to positive impacts for people with protected characteristics when they are cycling, work most effectively when they feature bus stop bypasses. Bus stop bypasses and their impacts are described below.

Bus stop bypasses

At bus stop bypasses, the cycle track continues behind the bus stop at carriageway level, providing continuous segregation from motor traffic for people cycling. Bus passengers access a waiting area by crossing the cycle track using a raised, marked crossing point. The waiting area would be at least 2.5 metres wide. Pedestrians would cross the cycle track at raised, marked crossing points to continue their journey.

Our research has found that bus stop bypasses are safe for all road users, including bus passengers. Routing cycle traffic away from the road is an effective way to create safe, attractive cycling facilities along bus routes. The risk of conflict between cycles and pedestrians has been found to be very low, while providing a dedicated crossing point for bus passengers and design features that encourage slower cycling help to make the bus stop area more comfortable for everyone to use.

Bus stop bypasses are used across Europe and there are a number of examples in operation or planned across the UK, including in Brighton, Cambridge and Manchester, as well as in London. We introduced some bus stop bypasses on the Cycle Superhighway 2 (CS2) extension between Bow and Stratford in Autumn 2013 and across other Cycle Superhighways in 2015-16.

We are continuing to engage with accessibility and cycling groups and carry out additional research into the type and layout of pedestrian crossings at bus stop bypasses. We have a dedicated working group overseeing on-street trialling of the use of zebra crossings over cycle tracks at bus stop bypasses. This group includes representatives from Transport for All, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs, Age UK London, London TravelWatch, Cycling Embassy of Great Britain, Living Streets, the London Cycling Campaign and Cycling UK. We will incorporate findings of these further investigations, including the outcomes of discussions about the trial with the working group, into final proposals for CS4.

Find out more about bus stop bypasses

Tactile paving

We would use tactile paving on all crossings and traffic islands throughout CS4. Along the route, tactile paving would be designed according to Department for Transport guidance. Local standards would apply in the London Borough of Lewisham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Accessibility for cyclists with disabilities

CS4 would be suitable for use by disabled cyclists using adapted cycles, such as hand cycles and tricycles. The designs adhere to the principles for inclusive cycling set out in our London Cycling Design Standards. Cycle tracks on CS4 would be as wide as possible and a smooth riding surface would be provided, with the entire cycle route to be resurfaced.

Next steps

We will analyse and consider all of the responses received to the consultation, and expect to publish our response early in 2018.

For the Lower Road section of CS4, we have jointly commissioned a Strategic Transport Study with the London Borough of Southwark to understand how developments and future transport schemes would affect the existing road network. When completed, this study will inform the design for Lower Road, ensuring that it meets the future needs of the community. Consultation on proposals for Lower Road will take place at a later date

Subject to the outcome of consultation and agreeing proposals with partner boroughs, we would aim to commence construction on CS4 in late 2018. We would plan construction carefully to minimise disruption to those who live, work and travel through the areas.

As part of this planning, we would coordinate closely with other construction works in the area, and consider alternative ways of working including advance works, weekends and evenings. We would also carry out an extensive communications and engagement campaign to ensure residents, businesses and others travelling through the works areas have the information they need to plan ahead and adapt their travel arrangements where necessary, reducing any impact on their journeys during the construction period.

Have your say

Through our consultation survey below

By email to consultations@tfl.gov.uk

In writing to FREEPOST TFL CONSULTATIONS using 'CS4' as the subject

Call us 0343 222 1155*

You can also request paper copies of plans and a response form, copies in Braille, large text or another language using the above contact information, or calling 0343 222 1155*.

*Service and network charges may apply

Please tell us your views by Sunday 19 November 2017

Public exhibitions

We will be holding public events at which staff involved in the project will be available to answer your questions:

Our consultation material will be on display at the following locations from Thursday 28 September for the duration of the consultation.