Cycling opportunity

Published: 11 June, 2010

• I WAS surprised to find myself described as criticising the plans by the mayor for a cycle superhighway (Safety fears as Boris lures cyclists into ‘canyons of traffic’, June 4).

On the contrary, I believe that residents throughout Islington from Archway to Angel stand to benefit if he achieves his aim.

The challenge for the mayor is to produce a scheme in the current financial climate that delivers more than a bit of blue paint on the road.  With smart thinking this may be possible. 

At the moment, the road is indeed like an uncrossable “canyon” dominated by heavy, speed-limit-defying vehicular traffic. 

At the very least, there should be many more opportunities to cross the road and existing 30mph speed limits, which are routinely flouted, should be rigorously enforced.  

Serious consideration should be given to reducing the speed limit to 20mph which may well improve the flow of traffic and is unlikely to result in increased journey times. While I am extremely concerned about the threat posed to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by fast-flowing traffic, the Islington cycle super­highway route offers an opportunity to civilise the A1, make it feel less traffic dominated and less of a barrier separating communities.  

CAROLINE RUSSELL
Chair, Islington Living Streets