Cyclists Shun Oxford Street Pedestrian Zone
Transport Secretary notes significant drop in riders after early concerns about safety.
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Trust 74: named Transport Secretary source, cited Marylebone Association data, specific counts with dates and locations.
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The number of cyclists using the newly pedestrianised section of Oxford Street has sharply declined in the weeks following its implementation. On Tuesday, October 27, the Standard observed 51 cyclists entering the traffic-free zone in a single hour. By Friday, this figure had dropped to just one cyclist in a 30-minute observation period, with Transport for London staff asking the individual to dismount.
Reduced Rider Numbers
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One week into the transformation of the shopping street, concerns remain over cyclists and journey times.
Further counts conducted by the Standard revealed a substantial reduction in cycling activity. A 40-minute count on Wednesday morning recorded ten cyclists passing through the pedestrianised stretch, with an additional six individuals walking their bicycles. This contrasts with the initial days after the traffic ban was introduced, when cyclists weaving between pedestrians and riding on pavements were a common sight.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the trend, telling the Standard on Thursday that she had been informed the number of cyclists using the area had “decreased significantly” in recent days. She attributed this to people becoming accustomed to the new arrangements. Alexander added that the focus should now shift to establishing safe alternative cycling routes for those whose journeys might be affected by the pedestrianisation scheme.
Impact on Bus Services
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While cyclist numbers appear to be falling, the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street has had a notable impact on other transport modes. Data compiled by the Marylebone Association indicates that some bus journeys across the West End are now taking up to 11 minutes longer than before the changes were enacted. The transformation of Oxford Street aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly shopping environment.
Questions this report answers
+How many cyclists were seen on Oxford Street after pedestrianisation?
On Tuesday, October 27, 51 cyclists were counted entering the pedestrianised section of Oxford Street in one hour. By Friday, this number had fallen to just one cyclist observed in a 30-minute period. A count on Wednesday recorded ten cyclists and six walking their bikes over 40 minutes.
+What has the Transport Secretary said about cyclists on Oxford Street?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that she had been informed the number of cyclists using the pedestrianised Oxford Street had decreased significantly in the days following its implementation. She suggested this was due to people adapting to the new rules.
+Has pedestrianisation affected bus journey times?
Yes, data from the Marylebone Association shows that some bus journeys across the West End are now taking up to 11 minutes longer since Oxford Street was pedestrianised. This indicates a wider impact on traffic flow in the area.
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