Work gets underway this week to introduce a walking and cycling route between Barking and Barking Riverside.
The 7km Cycleway is designed to improve the connection between the two growing neighbourhoods, creating streets that are much more welcoming, easier and safer to cross for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
New ‘continuous’ pedestrian crossings will give priority to people travelling on foot and new signage will direct cyclists away from busy main roads between Barking and Barking Riverside, providing a safer, faster and more direct alternative. The proposed upgrades include:
- an improved walking and cycling crossing on Bastable Avenue to provide safer and easier access to Thames View Junior and Infant School and local businesses
- new ‘continuous’ pedestrian crossings at the junction of St Awdrys and Eldred Road, and
- links to the Cycle Superhighway 3 (Barking to Tower Gateway) and the walking and cycling route at Ripple Greenway in Barking Riverside
These measures are being introduced by Be First, on behalf of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, following a consultation by Transport for London (TfL). The Cycleway is the latest phase of a project to connect the areas with Ilford Town Centre, where an Elizabeth line station is due to open in 2022.
Councillor Cameron Geddes, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, said: “We know that many more people would cycle if there was less traffic and better, safer routes, so this Cycleway will be a real boost to the borough. It provides a safe, quiet option between Barking Riverside and Barking town centre as well as good connections to the route into central London”.
Further measures to improve facilities for cyclists at Barking Station and Wakering Road will follow shortly.
You can see the full route map here: Barking Town Centre to Barking Riverside cycle and walking route map.
