City backtracks on TVP detour after cyclists call it 'unsafe'
The City of London is changing course on a proposed detour during construction on the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP), after the cycling community raised safety concerns.
Initially, the city planned to direct cyclists and pedestrians off the TVP, to a detour north on Talbot Street, across Oxford Street, up to Grosvenor Street, before cutting back west to rejoin the TVP.
“It was just neglect of responsibilities,” says Andrew Hunniford, general manager of the London Bicycle Café.
It was unsafe, he says, because it would have forced cyclists to cross Oxford Street unnecessarily, at an intersection he calls “really dangerous.”
The City of London’s proposed detour route, as seen on its website. (Source: City of London)Through the café’s Twitter account, he proposed an alternative detour that makes use of the Oxford Street underpass on the west side of the Thames, as well as Blackfriar’s Bridge at the south end of Ann Street Park.
Several other Twitter users agreed with Hunniford’s assessment.
“Does that official detour go under Talbot Street Bridge?” one reply reads. “That tunnel is a death trap for cyclists and pedestrians alike.”
Another comment reads, “The city’s detour looks like a plan designed by people who do not cycle,”
The city says it received feedback from cyclists about the detour route, and has made changes. The detour will now follow Hunniford’s proposed route from Blackfriar’s Bridge up to the Oxford Street underpass.
“New signage will be placed ahead of the construction site to show the new route,” a city spokesperson wrote in a statement provided to CTV News London. “We welcome feedback that will help us make improvements.”
The closure is for construction on underground sewer infrastructure. It’s expected to last until Sept. 30, according to the city.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.