St Stephen's cycle scheme

St Stephen’s area pedestrian and cycle improvements

Proposals to close one quadrant of the roundabout to motor traffic, make the rest two-way, and alter the junction of The Avenue and Egerton Gardens.

Background

In 2019 the council commissioned a survey and meetings with residents and local businesses to discuss options for improving cycling conditions in the area, including creation of an attractive cycle route between Greenford Broadway and Ealing Broadway. Most of this route has been completed, but no improvements have been made around St.Stephen’s where the roundabout arrangement is difficult for less experienced cyclists because the layout encourages corner-cutting and close overtaking of cyclists. 

Building on ideas from the survey and the public events, the council has now produced a proposal for an attractive cycle route past St Stephen’s, including improvements for pedestrians and a greener street environment. This forms the last link in the cycle route which will then be signposted and promoted.

The route originally proposed was changed and the current proposal is to go via The Avenue and Egerton Gardens, which has resulted in a proposal to alter the layout at the junction of these two roads as well.

Proposals

  • Close south-western quadrant of road round St Stephen’s Court to motor traffic, except for access
  • Make remainder of the road 2-way, so that drivers can make all existing connections
  • Adjust kerbline to east of St Stephen’s Court to make more space for 2-way traffic
  • Landscape south-western quadrant as a link for pedestrians and cycles only
  • Maintain motor vehicle access to driveways on south-western quadrant, via west end only
  • Change junction of The Avenue and Egerton Gardens from mini-roundabout to standard T-junction
  • Remove 19 lightly-used street car parking spaces around St.Stephen’s Court (of 34 total)

View the detailed plans

Benefits

  • Connects St Stephen’s Court with surrounding area instead of it being isolated in a roundabout
  • Completes a cycle route suitable for less experienced cyclists, including children, between Ravensbourne Gardens and Montague Road. This is the last link in the cycleway between Ealing Broadway and Greenford Broadway. The existing roundabout arrangement is not easy for less experienced cyclists to negotiate
  • Reduces motor traffic speeds around St Stephen’s Court, as drivers will not be able to cut the corners or assume nothing is coming the other way
  • Allows an increased area of tree canopy and sustainable drainage, benefiting the environment
  • Improves views of the listed St Stephen’s Court by removing parked cars
  • Creates a public motor traffic-free place for people to spend time, not just pass through

Other considerations

  • Motor traffic routes round St Stephen’s Court will change, but average travel distances will remain the same
  • Car parking spaces will be removed around St Stephen’s Court, but not on The Avenue, where there is already no parking around the Egerton Gardens junction
  • Parking space usage has been surveyed to confirm that enough spaces will be available without the 19 spaces that would be removed
  • Drivers will be able to enter and leave the St Stephen’s Court car park by turning left or right; at present they have to turn right when entering and exiting 
  • Traffic speeds may increase at The Avenue/Egerton Road junction without the mini-roundabout, but the speed table will be retained and could be made steeper, if necessary

View the plans for Egerton Gardens

View the parking survey results

View the traffic data for the St Stephen's area

The bigger picture 

The proposals above are guided by the Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets approach, which aims to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, and make London greener, healthier and more pleasant. The proposals are in line with the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy and help to deliver the Walking and Cycling Action Plans in that strategy. 

These complementary plans set out how all London boroughs will work to increase the number of people walking and cycling, helping to address poor air quality and traffic congestion, while improving infrastructure to make active modes of travel easier, safer and more accessible to everyone.  

How can I give my feedback? 

The council would like to know your views on the proposed measures. Please give your feedback using this online questionnaire by 30 April.