An update on the Merton Park level crossing

MCC finally get a promise of action on ‘multiple failures’ Level Crossing

Risk life and limb and stand in the middle of the Tramlink crossing of Kingston Road in Merton Park and your feet will be in 3 wards at the same time. Merton Park, Dundonald and Abbey wards meet here, each represented by a different political party. But there is even greater risk to life and limb if you try to cycle over this badly neglected but very busy level crossing.

The Raynes Park to Wimbledon Town Centre Cycle Route

MCC member Harry Cole takes a closer look at one of Merton's present day cycle routes.

With the news that Kingston Council have had a public exhibition of their plan for a Cycle Path from New Malden Station to the Car Park at the Raynes Park Social Club, and are apparently keen to press ahead with the construction phase, I decided to take a critical look at the existing path it will connect to from Raynes Park Station to Wimbledon station.

This is a shared path throughout its length, except for the short sections at Wyke Road and Alt Grove before it joins St George's Road in Wimbledon. It is a generally good quality Tarmac surface with the railway fence on one side, and the rear fences of properties along the other. The railway fence is a good quality one, more than can be said for many on the other side with are generally in poor repair and covered in graffiti. There are lampposts along the whole length, though I imagine that in the dark it might seem rather unsafe.

My main concerns are the crossings by the Raynes Park and the Lower Downs Road tunnels, the variable width in places, and the ending of the path in Wimbledon.

Bicycle storage locations

Merton Council have advised the MCC that they have placed an initial order for eight Bikehangers in order to test their use in the borough.

The Bikehanger is a secure cycle parking device designed by Cyclehoop. Each unit can hold six bicycles, protecting them from theft, vandalism and providing shelter from rain. They can be installed in place of a car parking space on street, or away from the road such as within the grounds of a residential estate.

Merton Council would welcome suggestions for where these first eight Bikehangers could be best used. If you have a proposal, please email info@mertcyclists.org or tweet @LCCinMerton with your ideas.

Following this initial set of eight units, the total order will eventually amount to thirty seven for the borough of Merton.