Cyclist traffic on Oxford Street drops after pedestrianisation

Cyclist activity on the newly pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street has declined sharply since the traffic ban was introduced two weeks ago. The Evening Standard recorded 51 cyclists in an hour on the first day, but a 40-minute count during the following morning’s commute found only 10 cyclists, with six more choosing to walk their bikes. A repeat count on Friday morning observed a single cyclist in a 30-minute period, who was asked to dismount by Transport for London staff.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the paper that the number of cyclists using the zone has “decreased significantly” over the past few days. She said the priority now is to provide safe alternative routes for cyclists whose journeys are affected by the pedestrianisation scheme, adding that Westminster City Council and TfL are working on such routes.

The observations were made along the section between the Nike and H&M stores and the junction leading to John Lewis, an area that has become quieter as pedestrians and runners use the space formerly occupied by traffic. Data from the Marylebone Association indicate that some bus journeys across the West End are now taking up to 11 minutes longer since the changes were implemented.

Officials will monitor whether the reduced cyclist presence continues as the Christmas shopping period approaches.