Westminster Council gives go ahead for cycle tracks on Portland Place

Westminster City Council has approved a £1.376mn scheme to make permanent and improve the design of cycle lanes on Portland Place in Marylebone.

New segregated cycle tracks will be introduced in a bid to enable more people to cycle safely. The plans will see cycle lanes previously introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions made permanent.

This includes introducing a segregated cycle lane which will run from Park Crescent, at the junction with Marylebone Road, along Portland Place, until it reaches the intersection with Langham Street. This effectively connects up The Regent’s Park at the northern end with Regent Street at the southern end.

There will also be a “floating bus-stop” introduced for the existing northbound bus-stop. While the plans have been welcomed by many, there have been some concerns raised over the new scheme.

London Cycling Campaign’s Simon Munk said: “We are massively supportive of this scheme but as with any scheme there is more that could be done and we think it could go further and become bolder and better. We need a true cycling network and this is a step in the right direction.”

Some of their concerns include missing connections to other cycling schemes and possible improvements at junctions. The campaign would also like to see the nearby Regent’s Park closed to through motor traffic.

During the public consultation, some residents raised objections over the impact the floating bus stop may have on less mobile and disabled travellers. The council has said that this will be mitigated by an island with a raised pedestrian crossing over the cycle track, as well as a buffer zone between parking bays and the cycle track.

Councillor Max Sullivan, cabinet member for streets at Westminster City Council, said: “This scheme is designed to deliver meaningful benefits for cyclists and support more sustainable transport options in Westminster, helping to create safer, healthier streets for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the area.

“Swapping the car parking and the cycle lane around on Portland Place and Park Crescent will make it safer and more comfortable for people on bikes by protecting them from motor traffic. Pedestrian crossings will also be improved, including with the addition of a new zebra crossing on Park Crescent.

“We value the views of residents and visitors, and we will continue to listen and engage as we make Westminster a more accessible city for everyone.”

Westminster City Council, decision: Cycle Movement Strategy Phase 3: Portland Place Implementation. Cycle Movement Strategy Phase 3: Portland Place.

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