Strategic Cycling Schemes (SC)

The Covid-19 health crisis has restricted capacity on public transport due to social distancing requirements. To support this, we took emergency measures to make it easy for residents, workers and visitors, to walk or cycle as an alternative to using public transport when travelling around the borough. 

Three experimental cycle lanes were introduced last year in response to Covid-19 restrictions. The cycle lanes have expanded Harrow’s cycle network by reallocating road space from vehicles to cycles. They are located at:

The schemes are supporting the borough during and post-lockdown by creating more space for people to travel socially distanced, protecting public transport for those who need it while also improving air quality. While traffic levels may be artificially low due to the impact of the health crisis, there is a risk of traffic levels increasing and causing a negative impact on road safety and health, as government restrictions are eased, and warmer weather arrives. 

The three cycle lanes were introduced using an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) for a trial period of six months. An ETRO can stay in place for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 18 months, while the schemes are monitored and assessed. 

The schemes are reviewed monthly to consider their local impact and to decide whether changes are required. We have engaged with stakeholders during the trials, including bus operators, community groups and the emergency services. To reflect their feedback, we have made adjustments to the Honeypot Lane cycle lane to improve access into and out of the station, and also to Sheepcote Road scheme where cycles are now permitted to use the bus lane.

 All of the cycle lanes sit on either dual carriageways or roads that have multiple lanes. Some of the road speeds have been reduced to 30mph to improve safety for cyclists. Temporary traffic cones are being used to provide physical separation between the cycle and vehicle lanes. 

Following the six-month trial period, feedback on the Cycle lane schemes will be reviewed and reported to the Council's Traffic & Road Safety Advisory Panel (TARSAP) meeting on Thursday 22 April. TARSAP can consider removing the schemes, extending the trial (up to a maximum of 18 months) or making the schemes permanent. 

Have your say on the experimental cycling schemes, using the form at the bottom of the page. Please say which scheme you are commenting on.

Additional Info.

Scheme maps and traffic management orders can be viewed by clicking on the images below.