The cycle lane on New Kent Road, Elephant and Castle, London. (Image: SWNS)
Furious locals in a London borough are demanding urgent action over a “lethal” cycle path which has become more of a danger zone than a safety feature.
The residents of Elephant and Castle are up in arms about the cycle lane that inexplicably ends on the pavement right outside a popular supermarket, leaving pedestrians including young families and the elderly at risk from speeding cyclists on e-bikes.
According to one disgruntled senior citizen, “It’s dangerous,” and “It’s ridiculous. You have to keep looking both ways to see what’s coming.”
With worries mounting, she added, “I don’t know why they can’t put the cycle lane on the roadside. This is where all the shoppers are walking.”
The menace of fast-moving e-bikes is particularly alarming for those less mobile; as she pointed out: “Bikes zoom past God knows how fast – especially these e-bikes. I’m an old-age pensioner… How much of a chance have I got if I get hit by one of them?”
Snaking through a residential area teeming with children and ending abruptly before a Sainsbury’s, the erratic bike lane reverts to being just a pavement further down, adding to communal confusion.
In a recent frightful incident echoing the unease, a child was sent hurtling through the air when struck by an e-scooter speeding along a nearby track, underscoring imperative calls for change.
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People living and working in Elephant and Castle say the cycle lane is “dangerous” (Image: SWNS)
Elham, a mobile phone store employee adjacent to the supermarket, has witnessed numerous accidents outside Sainsbury’s, expressing his concerns for public safety. “One day I saw an old guy get in an accident,” the 24 year old shared.
“It’s not good for people. They are walking and don’t know bikes are coming and could hit them.
“There is lots of children here as well. They walk on the pavement… Where can they go?” He pointed out that locals are vigilant for bicycles, but visitors may be caught off guard by swiftly approaching e-bikes, suggesting roads would be safer.
Elham also noted the distraction caused by mobiles, with pedestrians often oblivious to their surroundings and targeted for phone snatching by cycling thieves near Elephant and Castle.
Employees from a hairdresser across from the Sainsbury’s recounted witnessing ‘one or two’ cycle lane mishaps weekly and concur on its perilous nature. A father bustling by with his son mentioned he lacked time but affirmed, “I don’t have time to talk… But the cycle lane is dangerous.”
Echoing this sentiment, another parent stated, “[The cycle lane] shouldn’t be here: it should be on the road.”
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Many say they regularly have to dodge the bikes and remain hyper alert (Image: SWNS)
Transport for London acknowledged the concerns and promised to review the site, with their spokesperson stating, “Safety is our top priority and we want all Londoners to feel safe when travelling around the capital.
“This section of cycle lane was updated as part of the recent redevelopment of the area. The lane and shared space enables people to cycle in the area without needing to mix with motor traffic on New Kent Road and we expect everyone using it to be mindful of people walking.
“We’re determined to make sure that the cycling network also works for pedestrians and we will be reviewing this location to assess how it is working for everyone.”