Mixed Reaction To Cycleway 9 Go-Ahead
From 'Let's get shovels in the ground' to 'a terrible decision'
There was a mixed reaction to the unanimous decision by Hounslow Council's cabinet to give the go-ahead to the controversial Cycleway 9.
The nine Conservative councillors in Chiswick, whose petition against the scheme gained 5,000 signatures, described it as "a terrible decision", and are considering a judicial appeal. You can read their statement in full.
Opponents of the scheme addressed the meeting including councillors from Chiswick and Stephen Donnelly, who had presented evidence which he said showed there were safety concerns about the design of the scheme.
On the announcement of the decision they issued a statement saying, "This is a terrible outcome - though it was no surprise. Several cabinet members had declared long in advance that they were in favour of CS9 so we knew the meeting-with-presentations was nothing more than a PR stunt. With planted questions designed to show the pro-CS9 lobby in the best possible light, and random, rambling points thrown at us to try to show us up, plus a stop watch geared to cutting us off but letting the pro-CS9 team go on and on, this was democracy at its worst. Partisan, pre-judged, puerile. It's life in Labour Hounslow."
Homefields councillor and deputy Conservative group leader, Patrick Barr said, "Not a single Chiswick resident or councillor voted on this scheme. The decision was made by councillors who do not know Chiswick. We, who represent Chiswick residents, were ignored. This means residents were ignored and despite a petition of 5,452 people opposed to CS9 and a passionate and informed representation to the Cabinet meeting."
Pro-scheme campaigers were delighted.
“Let's get shovels in the ground!” was the reaction of the Hounslow Cycling Campaign which welcomed the decision by Hounslow council to approve Cycleway 9 at the (3 September) Hounslow Cabinet meeting.
Dr Will Norman, the Mayor of London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner said, “We're absolutely delighted that Hounslow Council unanimously approved our plans for this vital new Cycleway in west London. The new route will enable thousands of people in the area to walk and cycle more often, so I'm looking forward to work beginning on the route later this year.”
Michael Robinson of the Hounslow Cycling Campaign
said: “Cycleway 9 isn't just for people who cycle already, it is for everyone who would like to cycle and who is currently scared and intimidated by motor traffic” and “the scheme will improve the safety of our High Streets, help address air pollution
and is clear evidence of the council's commitment to act on climate change.”
The original superhighway programme was launched in May 2009 and the consultation for Cycleway 9 released 2 years ago in September 2017. It will provide both Chiswick and Brentford with segregated cycle lanes with a consultation to extend the route to Hounslow planned for 2020.
Hounslow Council cabinet members
Cllr Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport at Hounslow Council said: “The council is keen to create a safer and more inviting environment for cyclists alongside additional improvements for pedestrians. Cycleway 9 would form part of an emerging network of cycleways across the capital.
“The introduction of this route will make a real difference in encouraging residents and people who work and visit our borough to get on their bikes. We are committed to delivering schemes aimed at encouraging more people to take up cycling and invite all residents and businesses to take the opportunity to shape these proposals. Subject to the results of this consultation, Transport for London (who are funding the scheme) aim to start work on the scheme late this year.”
Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council added: “As a council, we have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030, with improving air quality, particularly for younger people and making the high road a more family friendly place for those who wish to walk or cycle – Cycleway 9 will help us meet that goal.”
September 4, 2019
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September 7, 2019
