Canada Water Masterplan, March 2016.

Comments from Southwark Cyclists, drafted by Bruce Lynn

In the Digital Booklet on Cycling on page 10 of the latest Masterplan document, the following:

“Encouraging cycling and walking and a healthy lifestyle is key to the masterplan.”

And much of the plan is good. A commitment to plenty of cycle storage and implementation of the Green Link from the Southwark Area Action Plan. Also creating links to nearby to cycle routes including to Lower Rd at Surrey Quays Station, NE to Nat Route 4 via Roberts Close, NE to NR4 continuing Albatross Way, and SE to Brunswick Quay and NR425 round Greenland Dock.

Maps are provided on page 10 of roads and paths planned. These are categorized as:

  • Pedestrian Leisure Route (Cycling Allowed)
  • Pedestrian & Cycle Route
  • Neighbourhood Street - Cycle Priority Route
  • Local Connector 20mph- Shared vehicles & Cycles

Important cycle routes are categorized as Pedestrian Leisure Route (Cycling Allowed). In fact the developers have categorised National Cycle Route 425 around Greenland Dock in this way. If cycling is to be encouraged then all routes categorized as Pedestrian Leisure Route (Cycling Allowed) should be considered equally for both cycling and walking. This is particularly important for the direct Green Link route from Russia Woodland to Southwark Park (see below for more on the Green Link).

The category “Neighbourhood Street - Cycle Priority Route” is intriguing. What exactly will these streets be like? How will cyclists have priority? There is one of these streets that directly traverses the development on a NW-SE axis, close to and parallel to Quebec Way. Thisroad appears to be needed only for access. It should become cycle and pedestrian only at the Green Link. This also will reduce by one the number of road crossings required along the Green Link.

The Green Link.

  1. Categorisation. This part of the Southwark Area Plan will be the most important development for cyclists as it will provide an excellent route to the Shopping Centre, some local schools and the large open spaces. It is also on an excellent alignment for the proposed pedestrian/cycle Brunel Bridge across the Thames. In this version the Green Link has become 2 parallel links. The direct route is the more northern one and is not indicated as a cycle route, only “cycling allowed”. This has to change. To encourage cycling it is essential to provide adequate space along the main desire line. There is no reason, given that we are designing a new path, for there not to be plenty of space for both cyclists and pedestrians along the direct Green Link path.
  2. Crossings. There are a lot of crossings along the Green Link. To encourage its use, it is important that pedestrians and cyclists are not delayed. This means wide crossings for pedestrians and cyclists with high priority for these users over motor traffic. On the quieter roads (e.g. Quebec Way) the new style “Tiger” Crossings (Zebra with parallel cycle crossing) may be a good solution.
  3. Link to Hothfield Place. At present there is a narrow ramp between the Shoppng Centre and Hothfield Place. Not brilliant, but can be cycled. The Masterplan deals with the level change by putting steps, plus a lift for wheelchairs. This is ridiculous. There is plenty room for a nice wide, gradual ramp to open up this route and encourage the use of the Green Link.

Workshops on transport are promised and Southwark Cyclists will be happy to take part in these.