Controversial cycle lanes

• YOU report that cycle lanes are to be installed between Prince of Wales Road and Pond Street on Haverstock and Rosslyn hills, (Work to begin on Haverstock Hill cycle lanes, January 21).

It makes one wonder what the point is of responding to these so-called “consultations”. Perhaps it would make more sense to boycott them.

Consider:

— The majority who responded to the consultation were against them.

— There was no mention made that pedestrian islands are to be removed. The nearest is that there will be more zebras but those of us who are slow on our feet find islands make a huge difference as do those escorting young children.

— A reason given is that the decision will be reviewed in a year. It will need something dramatic (let’s not think what) to cause them to be removed.

— Round the corner in Prince of Wales Road a west / east cycle lane was sprung on us and labelled Covid-19 which locals must find baffling.

The road is even harder for pedestrians to cross than it was when the east / west cycle lane was imposed on us.

Virtually all traffic islands have now been removed. The pedestrian crossing as can be seen, left, doesn’t exist demonstrating how unimportant pedestrian safety is to those in power.

— There is no longer a pedestrian lobby such as we had over 15 years ago when the pedestrian islands in Malden Road were removed and then promptly returned due to local pressure.

— Cycling is for many, a hobby, walking a necessity. Now we have a highly effective cycle lobby who can organise to respond to consultations.

What these people choose to forget is that cyclists can always dismount and walk but not all pedestrians can cycle.

BRIAN BENJAMIN
Queen’s Crescent, NW5