The Lea Bridge Road Dash

The Lea Bridge Road Dash shows us this key route from the perspective of four commuters; a walker, driver, bus passenger and bike user, during morning rush hour traffic (Thursday 8 October 2015), highlighting the following key points:

1. Journey times for the four commuters during rush hour
2. The current look and feel of Lea Bridge Road, especially the dangers and frustrations for all road users
3. Which modes of transport are the healthiest, cheapest and quickest.

The Lea Bridge Road Dash shows us that:

• Walking is better for your health because you burn more calories
• Driving is more convenient, however in peak traffic takes longer due to the high number of vehicles using the road
• During rush hour and for local journeys (less than three miles) cycling is a great mode of transport for people who are able to use it
• Public transport is an efficient mode, however the most expensive for short journeys
• Some areas of the road are unsafe, as where congestion builds up there is little space for people who cycle
• Some of the footways on the road are in poor condition
• Some of the junctions need to be made safer and easier to navigate for all road users.

The video was filmed on Lea Bridge Road and coincides with the consultation for the route which proposes changes to: crossings, cycle lanes, traffic signals and public spaces.

Improving the environment for visitors and pedestrians
Mini-Holland isn’t only about cycling, it’s about improving the experience of the road for all road users. You’ll see from the film that currently the road isn’t the most attractive or safest place for pedestrians and so we’re investing in Lea Bridge Road to create new public spaces with plants and trees so that it’s a more enjoyable place to walk and provides places for people to sit to enjoy.

Cycling on Lea Bridge Road
Although during rush hour cycling is a quick mode of transport it isn’t the safest, and with 118 cycling injuries over the past five years, Lea Bridge Road needs to be made safer for people who cycle. In the film, you’ll spot the commuter cycling between the bus lane and vehicles as there isn’t a designated space for them. Introducing a segregated cycle lane along the full route will provide a safe, smooth, direct cycle route which will also reduce conflict among road users and help drivers feel more at ease.

Public transport on Lea Bridge Road
With Lea Bridge Road Station due to open in 2016, we know that Lea Bridge Road is set to become a key transport hub. The area is already popular with bus passengers and investment in the area will see new, upgraded and modernised bus stops at more convenient locations for local people.

To accommodate changes to parking, loading and cycling provision the bus lanes will be removed or reduced in some sections of the road. Currently bus journey times do not vary much between peak and off peak (due to time taken up by pulling into and out of bus stops) and so it is anticipated that this will have a minimal effect on overall journey times.

We hope the improved bus facilities will encourage locals to use buses more frequently instead of their personal vehicle, resulting in fewer vehicle numbers.

Driving on Lea Bridge Road
We know that road congestion during peak hours is currently a key concern. Our current road network needs to be updated to manage the flow of traffic through the borough. As London, and the local population increases, we anticipate that traffic congestion will increase as a result. We appreciate that not everyone can walk or cycle, however we need to modernise the borough’s infrastructure, and offer improved options for those who do wish to use alternative modes of transport such as walking and cycling.

You’ll notice in the film that there are key areas along the road where traffic build-up occurs such as at junctions. To make the road more pleasant for all road users, including people who drive, junctions will be upgraded with new signals in the aim of reducing congestion at key points, and the introduction of segregated cycle lanes will remove conflict between vehicles and cycles making the area safer for both users.