A north London council’s proposal to resurface a hugely popular two-mile walk through green spaces has sparked concern it could become a “superhighway for cyclists and scooters”.
Running along the course of a former railway line between Finsbury Park and Highgate, the Parkland Walk is considered the capital’s largest linear nature reserve in London, and is beloved by cyclists, walkers and runners alike.
Haringey Council has launched a consultation aimed at “improving the accessibility and inclusivity of entrances and footpaths” along the walk, with resurfacing the route among ideas floated.
But local community groups fear resurfacing the path - which is currently covered in dirt and loose gravel-type materials - could have a harmful environmental impact, and could lead it to become overrun with cyclists.
The consultation does not say what material would be used if the path was retopped.
Simon Olley, vice-chair of community group Friends of Parkland Walk (FOPW), told the Standard: “There is a great concern amongst the majority of users that the council...already has a solution in mind, and intends to deliver a surface that will not be in keeping with the sense of countryside that presently exists, and will facilitate a significant increase in the volume of cyclists using the route.
“Reports of conflict between pedestrians and cyclists are already too common,” he added.
“With the shift in cycling towards electric bikes we fear these instances will increase and lead inevitably to cases of physical injury, as well as making the experience of walking stressful when it should be anything but.”
He added that FOPW is keen for the council “to address the degradation” of parts of the path and entrances.
Gio Iozzi, chair of Haringey Tree Protectors, added: “At the moment we don’t know what they’re planning to use at the material. We’re hoping of course that they’ll use a really ecologically sensitive surface.
“We have to balance the needs of nature and biodiversity with accessibility.
“We’re really, really concerned that this is just going to be a further urbanisation of the Parkland Walk.
“We’re worried it may turn into a sort of superhighway for cyclists and scooters. You may make it safer for some users, but more dangerous at the same time.
“So as well as massive ecological concerns, we’re worried about it being turned into kind of a road through some trees, that people will use as a cut-through - even motorbikes.”
Haringey Council assured concerns will be listened to via its consultation, which runs until September 17.
“We are currently in the early stages of plans to improve accessibility to Parkland Walk,” said Councillor Emily Arkell, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure.
“This is part of our ambitious strategy to ensure that all of our wonderful parks in Haringey are fully inclusive and accessible for everyone in our diverse communities.
“As with everything we are doing as a council, we want this project to be a collaboration with our residents – so no decisions have yet been made around materials.
“An online consultation is currently open for Parkland Walk users to share their ideas on the best way forward, as well as to register interest in being part of our co-design group, who will help us to make decisions about materials and designs.
“We are really keen to hear from as many stakeholders as possible, and I was pleased to meet recently with a representative from the Friends of Parkland Walk. I call on everyone who cares about this vital green space to respond to our consultation so we can take all views into account.”
