Forum topic: 'We don't want or need to go back to those fume-filled, congested and hostile roads of the past'

"We don't want or need to go back to those fume-filled, congested and hostile roads of the past" - the message concluding a letter sent by campaigners to the leaders of Enfield Council concerned about what might happen once the coronavirus lockdown ends. They urge the leaders to to take steps to ensure that, as restrictions are gradually relaxed, high levels of car usage do not return, hindering social distancing and discouraging active travel modes - walking and cycling. Their suggestions include "pop-up" cycle lanes along corridors for key workers, widening of pinchpoints that present hazards when walking or cycling, and re-allocation of road space at places where queues outside shops make it impossible for pedestrians to maintain safe distances.

The letter sent today to council leader Nesil Caliskan and deputy leader Ian Barnes was signed by Viola Rondeboom and Clare Rogers from Better Streets for Enfield (BSfE) and the Enfield Cycling Campaign (ECC). Commenting on the current greatly reduced traffic levels, they say that, "While the cause of this drop is tragic, the benefits are undeniable: clean air, safe, quiet streets and a massive rise in people of all ages cycling both for exercise and essential journeys."

Calling for "immediate, decisive and strong leadership", the letter writers say that the crisis has shown that things can change very quickly when public safety is at risk. The coronavirus outbreak has been like a "crash diet for our streets", and "the question is, how many pounds do we want to gain again?"

The campaigners fear that, given the likelihood that people will be avoiding public transport, there could be a "catastrophic" rise in car use, leading to less walking and cycling because these are dependent on routes that feel safe and have lower traffic volumes: "Many key workers currently cycling to work or residents walking to the shops won’t continue when motor traffic levels return to pre-Covid levels or worse."

The letter points to active travel's crucial importance to public health. People become fitter and less obese, their lung health is improved, so they thare less vulnerable to Covid-19. Fewer cars also means less air pollution - and air pollution has been linked to worse outcomes for coronavirus patients.

Specific "asks" identified in the letter include removing pedestrian and cycling pinchpoints, such as the stretch of Aldermans Hill between the Triangle and the western side of the railway bridge. Creating more space where people are queuing, for example by suspending parking bays or closing service roads. Pop-up cycle lanes along key routes, such as Cockfosters to Wood Green via Southgate. And measures to prevent pollution levels in Brownlow Road returning to their previously normal but illegal levels - using a bus gate to stop cars using it as a through route.

Links

Better Streets for Enfield

Lambeth Council: Transport response to Covid-19

Coronavirus-safe streets are needed now (London Living Streets)