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London Greenways

London Greenways is a collection of projects that seek to create a network of attractive and functional routes for walkers and cyclists, and aims to improve access to and through green space across the capital.

London Greenways has been developed and funded by Transport for London (TfL), Sustrans, the Olympic Delivery Authority, the London Boroughs and others over a number of years and incorporates schemes delivered through the TfL Greenways Programme, the Mayor’s Great Outdoors programme, the Olympic Walking and Cycling Route Enhancements Programme and Sustrans’ Connect2, National Cycle Network, and Greenways for the Olympics and London (GOAL) projects.

Background

Greenways are safe, quiet routes through parks, green spaces and lightly trafficked streets. They are designed to connect people on foot or bike, whatever their ability or purpose, to facilities, parks and open spaces. We originally began scoping the network under the name GOAL in 2005, following the announcement that London had been selected to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the intention of tapping into the energy that the Games would bring. 

Since its development began in 2005, as well as offering pleasant routes for experienced commuters, children and parents on the school journey, local shoppers and so on, the London Greenways network has offered a solution for inexperienced groups, showing significant behaviour change among people who have been less likely to take up walking and cycling. 

Olympic walking & cycling routes

The Olympic Walking & Cycling Network is an exciting part of the London Greenways network and was formally opened on 24^th October 2011. Sustrans GOAL vision included a proposal for greenway links into the Olympic Park at Stratford. The eight Olympic Greenway routes we identified through desk studies were: 

• Epping Forest    
• Lea Valley North
• Lower Lea Valley
• The Elevated Greenway
• Hackney Parks
• Limehouse Cut
• Victoria Park & Stepney
• Greenwich 

Sustrans then undertook field work to assess the feasibility of each route and the principle challenges for each. Draft proposals were presented to Olympic borough officers, local community representatives and other key partners for comment. A final feasibility report was then submitted to TfL and the proposed routes were subject to consultation under the Olympic Transport Plan.

Just over 100 schemes were then selected to improve the routes from a walking and cycling perspective. The schemes included signing, provision of new paths and cycle lanes, installation of signalised crossings, new bridges for cyclists and pedestrians, road resurfacing and general engineering improvements at junctions and other areas along the routes. Significant public realm improvements were also proposed, particularly along the Hackney Parks route.

As the end of the programme of works approached, Sustrans undertook a second audit of the routes to ensure all of the agreed improvements were fit for purpose and to also highlight any minor works which could add some finishing touches to the routes, prior to their launch. 

Routes were originally scoped in 2006 and delivery largely completed in October 2011. The total estimated value of the work from feasibility study to implementation was approximately £10,000,000.   

Legacy

Delivery of the Olympic Network shows what can be done by working in partnership with a realistic budget and challenging deadlines. Sustrans looks forward to learning from these lessons as we continue to work with partners in delivery of other sections of the London Greenways network. 

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