Kingston approves completion of New Malden to Kingston cycle route
Kingston Council has approved revised plans to complete a significant missing part of the borough’s cycle network to deliver safe, joined up routes across its neighbourhoods.
The council’s Place Committee (12 November 2024) agreed plans for the Kingston to New Malden section of the network, along Cambridge Road and Kingston Road. The decision confirms the final stage in delivering a £32m transformation project, funded in partnership with Transport for London, to upgrade Kingston’s major highway routes with the latest cycling infrastructure.
The cycle network is a cornerstone of the council’s long term vision for sustainable travel around the borough. Completing the route will help make cycling an attractive and safe travel choice for many more people in Kingston. The proposal for the New Malden to Kingson section is intended to improve the experience of everyone using the roads and pavements - with improved segregation for cyclists and a significant remodelling of the Hawks Road Cambridge Road junction, with new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and a new crossing near Georgia Road. The scheme has also retained and widened part of the existing bus lane, which will be extended to 24 hour operation.
Initial plans for this section of the route were paused in 2022 in response to Transport for London's funding issues following the pandemic. This enabled the council to review learnings from the existing cycle network and introduce improvements to the design of this scheme, with public engagement on the new designs completed between 19 September and 27 October 2024.
Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport Councillor Nicola Nardelli said:
“Kingston is committed to supporting active travel and making cycling a safe and easy option for as many residents and commuters as possible. The completion of this key cycle route, along with the optimisation of other transport such as buses should give residents the confidence to choose walking, cycling or public transport instead of the car if they want to. It will not only support healthier active travel and improved air quality, it may also make journeys quicker too.”