Major £13 Million Cycling Investment Announced for Northwest London
Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled plans for a transformative £13 million cycle route in the northwest London borough of Brent. The ambitious project, designated as Cycleway 72 (C72), will create a dedicated and protected cycling corridor linking Wembley Central and Harlesden, addressing long-standing safety concerns and boosting active travel in the area.
A Safer Path for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Cycling in London often presents significant challenges, with cyclists navigating busy roads shared with double-decker buses, navigating potholes, and encountering unexpected hazards. The new C72 cycleway aims to directly mitigate these risks by establishing a primarily segregated route. The design prioritizes the use of quieter back streets where feasible and incorporates fully protected sections, particularly along the hazardous Harrow Road.
This focus on safety is data-driven. Between January 2018 and December 2020, Harrow Road witnessed 90 collisions, resulting in injuries to 109 individuals, including nine cyclists and fourteen pedestrians. The new segregated lane on this busy A-road is a direct response to this history, aiming to drastically reduce such incidents.
Connecting Communities and Unlocking Potential
The pathway between Wembley and Willesden Junction has been identified by TfL as having exceptional potential for future cycling demand. However, officials stress that this potential can only be realized with the appropriate infrastructure in place. Public support for the project is strong, with 87 percent of respondents in a 2023 consultation agreeing that the scheme would encourage more people to cycle.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, hailed the project as a "game-changer" for the borough. "For too long, people in this part of Brent have faced busy roads, unsafe crossings and barriers that cut communities in half," he stated. "Thanks to the funding from TfL this new route will link the heart of Wembley to some of Brent’s fastest growing communities, from Bridge Park in Stonebridge, to the outskirts of Old Oak Common in Harlesden. Brent is moving forward and we are inviting everyone to come along for the ride."
Project Timeline and Broader Benefits
TfL has recently received approval to commence the detailed design phase of the C72 cycleway, a process expected to take approximately one year to complete. The route will specifically navigate the complex junction of the A406 North Circular and Harrow Road/Brentfield.
Beyond benefiting cyclists, the project includes planned improvements for pedestrian routes, enhancing overall accessibility and safety for all non-motorized users. This £13 million investment represents a significant step in London's strategy to promote sustainable transport, reduce traffic congestion, and create healthier, better-connected neighborhoods in northwest London.
