Plan to boost cycling will allow riders to ignore one-way street restrictions
Cyclists will be able to ride the wrong way down a one-way street in a trial designed to encourage more Londoners to switch to two wheels.
A pilot project is being launched in Kensington and Chelsea that will permit cyclists to ignore "No entry" signs. A small plaque will be attached to the signposts saying "Except cycles".
The Department for Transport intends to extend the policy to the rest of the country, allowing thousands of one-way streets to become two-way for bikes, if the trial is successful.
It believes that preventing cyclists taking the most direct route to their destination acts as a significant deterrent to cycling in London. Often the restrictions force cyclists on to one-way systems or busy main roads, when quieter side roads are safer.
Transport minister Sadiq Khan said: "The pilot contraflow cycling system will help to reduce journey times for cyclists while allowing them to travel safely and legally on the most convenient routes. If this pilot is successful then councils across the country could be offered the opportunity to use similar measures on their roads." Chris Peck, of the Cyclists' Touring Club, said: "We've been campaigning to allow two-way cycling on one-way streets for years and we are delighted that the government is permitting a sign that is easy to understand. It is a safe and sensible option that is standard in all other European countries."
Hackney council pioneered the introduction of contraflow lanes and now has the highest rate of cycling in the capital. Transport for London estimates there are 545,000 cycle journeys made on London's main roads each day, up nine per cent on last year.
Daniel Moylan, deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea council and deputy chairman of TfL, said he had been convinced of the need to change the rules after seeing hundreds of cyclists a day ignore "No entry" signs in Thackeray Street, Kensington.
Mr Moylan told The Times: "We are recognising the reality that cyclists prefer to take the shortest route through quieter streets. The alternative of having a policeman standing on the road to catch cyclists would be foolish and unworkable."
