One of the West End’s most famous streets is getting a cycle-friendly makeover

Thanks to the city’s ever-growing network of purpose-built cycle lanes, London has become a much safer, friendlier place for cyclists in recent years. And soon one of the capital’s most famous roads will get easier to use for two-wheeled Londoners, as Shaftesbury Avenue will get new segregated cycle lanes.

Plans to make the famously theatre-lined street safer for cyclists were revealed last October, with Camden Council proposing 550 metres of bike lanes between St Giles High Street and Cambridge Circus. As of last week, the plans have been officially approved.

Aside from the cycle lanes, which will be on both sides of Shaftesbury Avenue, the scheme also includes plans to make the area greener and more pedestrian-friendly. Nineteen parking spaces will be removed and both Phoenix Street and the top of St Giles Passage will be closed off to motor vehicles.

Pavements will be widened and pedestrian crossings will be upgraded, while three cycle hangars will be installed. ‘Rain gardens’ will also be put in on the south side of the avenue, with the purpose of soaking up rainfall and increasing local biodiversity.

The council is yet to confirm when construction will begin on the cycle lane, so watch this space for updates.