Ealing desperately needs cycle lanes

RE: Pedestrian Hit By Cyclist on Ealing Pavement, Urgent Need for Cycle Lanes

Ealing Council desperately need to create cycling lanes for cycles and scooters. At 3pm on 7 August I was hit by a speeding cyclist at the bottom of Northfield Avenue on a narrow stretch of pavement.

The cyclist came from behind so I had no opportunity to jump into the road. I was hurt but he did stop and apologise.

I risk my life every time I go out due to so many speeding cycles and e-scooters on Ealing pavements.

I use a forward pushing shopping trolly to protect me from fast wheels coming towards me but I have nothing to protect me from behind. My heart misses a beat with shock every time a cycle or scooter suddenly races past me from behind, with only a millimetre to spare.

Walking around a corner is dangerous as anything with fast wheels could be speeding towards you and you cannot see it until it has hit you.

Many people use cycles and scooters as necessary transport. Some people use them for recreation. There are often big family groups aimlessly riding on the pavement and expect pedestrians to jump onto the road to get out of their way. I am 66 years old and cannot always get out of their way yet I see people much older going into the road to accommodate them.

It is time for Ealing Council, who encourage cyclists, to find a solution to this growing problem.

Cycle lanes are now essential, even if they are created by narrowing the pavements.

Pedestrians need a safe area to walk and a narrow one is better than non at all.

Josephine Diamond Ealing