Hello, I've heard that Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council have plans and the funds to" improve" road safety on the Epping New Road. Their proposals concern the section of the road from the Waltham Forest border up to the Wakes Arms roundabout; that's where the Miller and Carter restaurant is.
Clearly, this interests any of us who cycle out to Essex from East or NE London or who use the Forest for off-road riding. As you'll know, if you ride this road, at the moment its cycling infrastructure consists of painted cycle paths on either side of the road and small sections of shared pavement. At the southern end, the path is little better than a gutter and has an appalling road surface. Many cyclists avoid using it; which is not without risk.
The proposals include reducing the speed limit, the installation of speed cameras, and better crossing places at a number of points. However, what concerns me is a proposal to include crossing places with islands in the centre of the carriageway.
Crossing the Eppimg New Road is a challenge for walkers, horseriders, and cyclists. So whilst better and safer crossing places are a good thing, I worry that the crossing islands will create pinch points that narrow the road, leave less space for cyclists, and increase the incidence of close passes.
If you regularly ride this road, then you'll know that this already happens in front of the Warren Wood pub at the Buckhurst Hill end of the Epping New Road. That's where the road's been narrowed for parking and it has, I think, a crossing island. In my view, installing Pelican or Zebra crossings along the New Road would be as effective but also safer.
Not sure what's planned for the cycle paths; but a better surface, clearer marking, and keeping the path free of road debris and vegetation would improve things immeasurably.
So some good things and some bad things. At present, I am trying to find out if there's a consultation happening and when the final decisions will be made. If the papers and maps are available I will post links.
If you are in a club or a group that used the New Road then do let your members know about this.
I can also pass on views through the Epping Forest Heritage Trust
https://efht.org.uk/ of which I am a member and volunteer with ; which is how I came to hear about this.