I am responding on behalf of Hounslow Cycling to the consultation on a cycle contraflow from Hanworth Road along Station Road to Whitton Road in Hounslow.

Summary

Hounslow Cycling welcome this proposal. We believe that a contraflow will encourage use of bikes for travel to the shops, offices and other services in Hounslow town centre.

Modal shift

The proposed contraflow is located in a key position near Hounslow station. The borough’s strategic plan envisages that several Priority Cycle Network routes and Cycleway 9 will converge on the town centre. Improvements in permeability for cyclists are particularly helpful in a location like this. We believe that the contraflow will encourage use of bikes for travel to the shops, offices and other services in Hounslow town centre. It will also facilitate train-and-bike commuting. This will help the borough to meet its strategic transport and environmental objectives including the desired shift from car travel to active travel or public transport.

Safety

On a point of detail, we suggest that the road markings are positioned to encourage inexperienced cyclists to stay away from the door zone outside the parking bays. Our members are generally comfortable with cycle contraflows from the perspective of road safety. We find that oncoming drivers have good visibility of those on bikes and respond appropriately. The dooring risk is not, however, fully eliminated. For example, this photo from google shows a badly parked van obscuring the view of the painted bike lane from the car behind.

About us

Hounslow Cycling is the borough group of the London Cycle Campaign with several hundred local members. We campaign for better cycling facilities in Hounslow. We offer training and rides for cyclists who are inexperienced or less confident. We provide a focus for those interested in cycling locally through meetings (usually over a drink or coffee) and social media.