Cycling activists in Brent have claimed the redevelopment of a flyover near Brent Cross will create a dangerous “spaghetti junction” amidst calls for a dedicated safe cycle route.
Campaigners from Brent Cyclists have blasted a decision to approve the creation of a traffic corridor on the A5 Edgware road near Staples Corner as part of the £4 billion Brent Cross Cricklewood development scheme.
They claim the plans will force cyclists on a lengthy detour or risk a hazardous journey across the flyover south of Cricklewood Lane.
Volunteer co-ordinator for Brent Cyclists David Arditti spoke out against plans for a new A5 corridor at a planning meeting of Barnet Council on September 10.
Speaking to the Times after the scheme was given the go ahead, Mr Arditti said: “We are now going to be faced with a spaghetti junction. The route cyclists will have to take under these plans is either hazardous or indirect.
“Currently if you’re cycling through Cricklewood there is very dangerous junction at Staples Corner, but what they are proposing to rebuild it in an even more dangerous way.”
“Cyclists have died on the A5 at Staples Corner in the past, and, with rising cycling levels in London, and conditions on this road worsened even further by the Brent Cross changes and likely increases in traffic we fear more will do so unless action is taken to create a safe cycle route actually on the A5 itself.”
The campaigners, who lodged several objections to the plans, say they have been left disappointed after a 20-year wait for positive news on measures to improve cycle safety at Staples Corner.
Mr Arditti added: “Cyclists on the A5 need a route which is safe, direct and straight. We’re very unhappy with the decision.”
A spokeswoman for Barnet Council said: “Barnet planning and transport officers are working closely with the developers and Transport for London to make sure that the needs of all road users are carefully considered in the transport modelling to ensure that a balance is achieved and that overall changes to the road network will benefit pedestrians and cyclists.
“The main cycle route north-south will be over the Tempelhof Bridge and will have a new dedicated and segregated cycleway for fast, direct access, which will be a significant improvement over current cycling provision at present.”
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