A multi-million pound cycling scheme which has split the community is already beginning to have a positive impact, it is claimed

Last year, Waltham Forest council was one of three London boroughs to win funding worth £33million from Transport for London (TfL) to improve cycling infrastructure.

Some have welcomed the scheme, saying it will improve safety and the environment, while others have claimed it would cause congestion and impact on businesses.

A group called E17 Streets for All has launched a legal challenge against the council over its consultation on plans for East and West Avenues in Walthamstow, which has already seen the closure of two bridges

However, some supporters of the scheme have praised the council for pushing ahead with the project.

David Giusti, of Folkestone Road, said: “Until the bridges were closed we were suffering from high levels of traffic using our road to cut through between Church Hill and Hoe Street or Church Hill and Lea Bridge Road.

“This had been getting worse over time and made life on our street noisy, stressful and, at times, dangerous.

“Since the bridges were closed our road, and others around it, have been transformed for the better.

“The roads are quieter and safer. People enjoy being out on the street. They feel safer walking their kids to school. Sometimes we have to drive a bit further to get home if we are out in a car, but that is an ok price to pay to achieve the right balance for everyone.”

Alison Scott, 49, agreed.

She said: “As our family have grown up, and with the advent of sat-navs, the traffic has become steadily worse around the corner of St Mary Road and Folkestone Road, with hundreds of cars every day using it as a rat run.

“Now the bridge is closed, our road will be quiet again, and safe for families using the Vestry Road playground.”

Penni Grodzicka, 39, said the changes have improved life in the road “considerably”.

 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Residents say cyclists are already enjoying mini Holland scheme

“Mini Holland is about finding a compromise that allows cars to get around, while making our streets safer, quieter, and less polluted," she said.

“The East and West Ave bridge closures are arguably the most important part of this compromise in our area, as cars have used them as rat-run super highways through our neighbourhood. I have certainly seen a positive impact on safety, noise and pollution since the bridges were closed.”

Jakob Hartmann, 44, of Pembroke Road said: “Our street used to be a terrible rat-run.

“Noisy, dangerous and often blighted by road rage. Now, since the two bridge closures, our street feels very different; quieter, safer and a happier place to live.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

East Avenue in Walthamstow 

Natalie Wilson, 47, said: “I have lived in Folkestone Road for 7 years.

“Before the bridge closures, I experienced drivers speeding through disregarding speed limits, endangering pedestrians, children and pets on the road.

“Since the closures of the bridges, the street has become a lively residential community with better air quality and is a brilliant place to live. As council tax payers, we want to keep it that way.”

A consultation is currently underway over the scheme in Lea Bridge Road and areas of Leyton.