New cycles lanes planned for Haverstock Hill 

• CAN we have some honesty from the authorities when the subject of segregated cycles lanes is discussed?

First please don’t tell us they are to improve safety for pedestrians and encourage walking. The opposite is the reality. And please publicise the fact when specific traffic islands are to be removed.

In the absence of a miracle creating extra space, cycle lanes cannot be installed on the stretch of Haverstock Hill between Prince of Wales Road and the Belsize Park shops without removing two islands. The same goes for most stretches of road.

Where there is an island, a pedestrian needs only to check the traffic on his or her right when starting to cross a road. Where there is no island and segregated cycle lanes, they must look in four different directions.

So it is downright misleading to talk of improving life for pedestrians. We who can’t or prefer not always to cycle are sick of being treated like poor relations.

BRIAN BENJAMIN,
NW5