TfL to start work on Cycleway 4 extension to Woolwich
Cycling from Woolwich to iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge is set to become easier as work to extend Cycleway 4 gets underway from Monday, 7 April.
Transport for London (TfL) is extending the current route, which currently starts at London Bridge and ends at Charlton, to Woolwich.
The extension will create a safer route into central London for more of our residents – something the council is committed to doing, along with making the borough greener and more sustainable.
Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said: “The extension of Cycleway 4 will make it easier for residents to cycle, or opt for other modes of active travel – something that is key to not only improving their health and wellbeing but also to reducing our climate impact.
“We want to make it easier and cleaner to explore our wonderful borough. That’s why it is vitally important that the cycling infrastructure is of a high quality that residents can actively travel every day - these works are a big step in the right direction to delivering that.”
The advanced works, which will happen overnight to reduce disruption, are due to be complete by the end of July, and will include removing and installing lights, laying cables for new traffic signals as well as removing some trees – which will be replaced – on the A206 between Anchor and Hope Lane and Woolwich Ferry roundabout.
The main works, which will include the creation of a segregated two-way cycle lane, will commence later this summer and are expected to be complete by early 2027.
Background
Royal Borough of Greenwich’s commitment to active travel
As a council, we employ a range of strategies from engaging with schools to promote and encourage cycling to equipping students with information about road safety and active travel.
As well as offering free cycle training, we also offer free bike checks through an initiative called Dr Bike.
Cycle network development: There is ongoing Cycle Network Development in the borough to implement new cycle routes, and we have also secured and are providing cycle training funding. In addition, we are delivering free cycle training and a try-before-you-bike scheme, run with social enterprise Peddle My Wheels.
Secure cycle parking: Secure cycle parking is a crucial aspect of promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport in our borough. We’re committed to increasing the availability of cycle parking and reducing the waiting list for cycle hangars. We recently consulted on the proposal to install 42 new cycle hangars across the borough.
Local Implementation Plan: Within our Local Implementation Plan (LIP), we are fully integrating a Road Safety Plan and Active Travel Plan. The LIP sets out how we will contribute to the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy aim of 80% of all trips being made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041.
New free Silvertown Tunnel shuttle service for cyclists
A new dedicated service will let people cycling take their bikes on a shuttle bus through Silvertown Tunnel, when it opens on Monday, 7 April, helping them cross safely, with clear directions to cycleways from the stops on both sides of the river. Stops for this service will be located at Seagull Lane (north stop) and Millennium Way (south stop). There will be 5 buses per hour between 6:30am and 9:30pm every day except Christmas Day. This service will be free to use for cyclists for at least 12 months. All buses will be zero-emission at the tailpipe.