The Living Streets charity for everyday walking studied four paths shared by cyclists and pedestrians in London, including Burgess Park.
The study found that pedestrians experience more conflict than cyclists and there is a disproportionate impact on disabled people. Cycle speed is the key issue for pedestrians and cyclists should be slowed down. Where sharing is unavoidable, signage should make the situation clear. Improving alternate routes may help to diffuse the pressure and tension.
The specific recommendations for Burgess Park are:
- Focus on designing an on-road facility for the Southwark Spine cycle route, e.g. along Wells Way rather than through the park
- Introduce a small amount of signage to alert park users to the presence of cyclists.
- Encourage slower cycling speeds in the park.
- Continue to prioritise the destination function of Burgess Park and the leisure facilities.
- In the longer term, it is suggested that improved facilities for commuting cyclists be provided on the Old Kent Road, Walworth Road and surrounding roads.
Read the full Living Streets report. Burgess Park is case study 4.
Comments about Burgess Park included:
“Because of cyclists coming up behind me, I am always having to look over my shoulders”
“Burgess Park is essentially a giant cyclist interchange, and the [proposed] spine route will make it even busier”
“Are park users pedestrians in the classic sense? People strolling in parks wander around slowly, they turn, walk to the sides… There are also people walking with children and dogs and they are disproportionately affected”
Friends of Burgess Park were consulted for the LIving Streets study.