A13-Blackwall Tunnel Approach
TfL has recently introduced changes to the A13/Blackwall Tunnel Approach.
The change involves adding a new pedestrian crossing to connect the Aberfeldy Housing Estate to East India Dock DLR station; and the removal of the bus lane on the A13 East India Dock Road. The excuse given for this is that the new pedestrian crossing would cause additional delays to traffic on the A13, so ways were sought to mitigate any increase in traffic journey times.
A commentator says: “Where once you could cycle in relative safety in the bus lane, now you have to swing into the second lane of four, a lane in which motor vehicles will be turning left in front of you at high speed as you pedal frantically straight ahead. It's unbelievably lethal.”
A video of the problem can be seen here.
TfL has once again created a dangerous and intimidating environment that comprehensively fails to balance the needs of all road users by overtly favouring motorised modes over pedal cycles, and cars over buses.
TfL also reminds cyclists that they have provided an alternative signed route for cyclists along the A13 corridor in the form of Cycle Super Highway, CS3, which runs from Barking to Tower Gateway on segregated paths and quieter streets. They claim the route has been specifically designed to meet the needs of cyclists, though acknowledging that this route may add some time to the journey,
This is a completely unacceptable position from TfL. Where for the sake of expedient movement of motor traffic they have created a dangerous situation on a carriageway where cyclists legally have equal rights to travel and equal rights to safety as with other road users. Cyclists have been told off to “use the superhighway”, which leaving aside their deficiencies, is not an equivalent route.
If you are a cyclist using this junction, or if you have views about this junction’s changes, please get contact Gerry Matthews, Campaigns Officer for Tower Hamlets Wheelers.
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