Safety changes will be made to a path along the River Thames to put pedestrians first, after residents reported feeling unsafe due to speeding cyclists.
Wandsworth Council has confirmed works to install safety measures on a busy stretch of the Thames Path, between Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Park, begin on Monday.
The council said the works will improve the safety of the path for everyone by slashing the speed of cyclists travelling along it, while making it ‘more attractive’.
It added the pathway is a ‘key transport link’ for pedestrians and cyclists and a ‘popular leisure destination’.
The works involve installing planter boxes at three locations and rumble strips at 10 locations on the path to slow down cyclists, along with adding more visible signs and larger paving slabs to signal pedestrians have priority.
Extra measures will also be added to help people navigate blind corners.
The council said it is making the changes after listening to concerns from residents about cyclists speeding on the path and the Sight Loss Council, which campaigns for change for blind and partially-sighted people.
A petition by Conservative councillor Caroline de La Soujeole also urged the council to introduce measures to ensure ‘safe and considerate cycling’ on the path. It said many residents had reported speeding cyclists making them ‘feel unsafe’ while walking along the path.
E-bike hire companies have already introduced a go-slow zone to limit speeds on the path, while e-bikes can’t be parked on the busy stretch.
Labour councillor Jenny Yates, cabinet member for transport, said: “We’ve been listening to residents who are concerned cyclists are going too fast on this stretch of the Thames Pathway, so we’re doing something about it. People in Wandsworth should be able to enjoy safely the fantastic spaces and transport links we have on offer, especially those by the Thames.
“As a council, we love working with our community to make Wandsworth a better place and these safety improvements, which are community driven, are a great example of this. We will continue to be a listening council and one that is always looking to work with local people to implement improvements such as these safety measures.”
Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, added: “The council has listened to feedback from local residents and the Sight Loss Council to agree improvements which will create a much safer environment, not only for blind and partially-sighted people, but for everyone who uses this shared route.”
