Four more Go Cycle developments get green light

Kingston Council has approved the development of four more Go Cycle developments to improve walking and cycling facilities, road safety and public spaces across the borough.

The council is one of three local authorities to secure funding from the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to benefit all road users by providing substantial improvements to streets and better facilities for pedestrians.

The £30 million programme includes 10 new linked development schemes, with the council putting four more schemes to public consultation over the Summer.

The four projects that have been approved for development are: Kingston Station area: developing an attractive new public space outside Kingston train station with improved access and crossings, a significantly enhanced arrival experience to Kingston and new cycling hubs; Wheatfield Way: improving the Kingston town centre ring road to make it a safer and more attractive gateway to Kingston; Surbiton to Kingston: improving key cycling links in Surbiton; and Fountain Roundabout, New Malden: transforming the roundabout into a cross-roads junction.

The council expects to take the next three developments to public consultation in the Autumn.

Councillor Terry Paton, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for the Go Cycle programme, said: “Nearly 2,000 residents took part in the summer public consultation and their feedback has helped us to shape the final proposals for these developments. Go Cycle is about keeping Kingston moving and improving connectivity across the borough. With some 50,000 additional people moving about the borough by 2050, we need to look at ways of relieving the pressure of a growing population on the borough’s transport network.

“We want to encourage more people to cycle and walk by providing better and safer cycle links, footways and crossings throughout the borough. Go Cycle will bring benefits to all residents in the borough, improving public spaces for everyone's enjoyment. Moving around the borough will be easier thanks to better infrastructure and access by foot and bike to community facilities, workplaces, shops, schools, attractions and open spaces in key locations will be improved.”