New cycle route linking Stratford and Plaistow opens

Cyclists ride along Quietway 22. Picture: TfL (Image: Transport for London)

The route, known as Quietway 22, runs from Stratford High Street to Newham Way, where it joins Cycle Superhighway 3, which links Tower Gateway DLR station and Barking.

Newham’s new Quietway, which passes through West Ham and Plaistow Park, also boasts new lighting and CCTV and ramps onto the Greenway, which forms part of the route.

It was one of three to be opened yesterday (Thursday) by London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, and representatives from the boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Southwark.

They are designed to be continuous, well-signposted routes on less busy streets, and aim to complement the segregated cycle paths being built on main roads across the capital. The creation of the new routes is part of mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s plan to increase the proportion of journeys made on foot, bike or public transport.

Mr Khan said: “I’m delighted these three new Quietway routes are being officially opened as part of our growing network across the capital.

“Given the damaging impact toxic air has on our city, it is vital that we do all we can to enable more Londoners to cycle and reduce journeys by car.”

Cllr Rachel Tripp, cabinet member for environment and highways, added: “I am delighted to be working so closely with the mayor of London to encourage people to switch from polluting transport to active travel by foot or by bicycle.

“We know that in order to change behaviour, we need to provide safe and attractive places where people want to walk and cycle, and Quietway 22 is a vital part of that.”

Cyclists in the borough will also be able to benefit from another of the new routes, Quietway 6, which links the Manor Park side of the Wanstead Flats to Barkingside, via a new bridge in Valentine’s Park, Ilford.

The third new route, Quietway 14, connects the approach roads to Blackfriars Bridge and Tower Bridge on the south side of the river.