Cycling becomes two-way on Foley, Nassau, and Riding House Street

Westminster Council has created cycle contra-flows on three one-way streets in Fitzrovia West to improve cycling permeability across the neighbourhood.

Originally proposed in 2024, the blue and white signage has now been put in place on Foley Street, Nassau Street, and Riding House Street.

Two-way cycling is in operation along the full length of Foley Street and Nassau Street, and between Cleveland Street and Great Titchfield Street only on Riding House Street. The section of Riding House west of Great Titchfield Street remains one-way westbound.

Westminster Council says it is improving cycling permeability by installing a number of contra-flow cycle routes linking otherwise disconnected cycling corridors.

“The connections allow cyclists to travel against the general flow of traffic at these locations, providing a more attractive, safer cycling environment,” says the council.

Campaign group Cycling UK says that allowing cyclists “to ride two-way in one-way streets makes cycling in towns and cities more convenient by opening up the street network and providing short-cuts. It can also help make cycling safer by offering alternatives to busy roads, and may help stop people riding on the pavement”.

Contra-flow cycling works perfectly safely in many other European countries, where it is already widespread.

“As it gives cycling an advantage over driving, contra-flow helps encourage a shift from cars to cycles for short local journeys,” states a Cycling UK briefing note (pdf).

Work by Westminster’s service contractor FM Conway to paint road markings and install signage is ongoing and due to be completed by 4 March 2025.

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