There are growing fears that a new cycle route through Peckham Square will increase congestion and the risk to pedestrians.

Ironically, the new route, called Cycle 35 Highway, is supposed to give pedestrians right of way and ensure everyone’s safety and ease of use.

Designs for the route propose that cyclists travel across unpaved walkways. While this means they have more freedom to cycle at speed, it does raise the question of what happens at intersections. Will cyclists slow down or stop for pedestrians who are crossing? Residents say the new design sets up a point of conflict, which is inherently dangerous and more so in winter when it gets dark before rush hour.

The redesign will attract more cyclists to the already busy area and there is potential for people with electric scooters, which are currently illegal, to also use the route. Residents say that there have already been a number of close encounters between cyclists, electric scooters and pedestrians in Peckham Square, which is an open community space. Some of the near-brushes occurred at busy times of the day when cycles were going at speed.

The project will be overseen by Spheron Architects, who say their design aims to be fluid and informed by the needs of the community. Spheron say locals can make their voice heard by commenting on the proposal. The link to provide feedback is as follows: https://peckhamsquare.commonplace.is/proposals/comment-on-our-map