Safer, Greener, Healthier Harlow

Our safer, greener, healthier ambition is to deliver new cycling and walking routes in the east/west of Harlow and the town centre where significant regeneration and future developments are planned. In 2023, we undertook some early engagement with local residents about the proposed 4.5km route which starts east of the Velizy Avenue roundabout and finishes at Sheering Road, passing along First Avenue/Mandela Avenue.

1. You told us that you're concerned about the safety of the existing cycle and walking paths along the route. For example, you feel that shared cycling and walking paths in general are dangerous for pedestrians, disabled users and children; that cyclists travel too fast; the paths needs to be well-lit and that signage and markings need to be clearer for all users.

Our response: the safety of all road users is of paramount importance to us. Cycle and footpaths along First Avenue will provide high quality, well-lit routes linking key destinations (including schools, the scout facility and the park). We’ll ensure that all signs and road markings stand out and are clear to make sure everyone knows that there are both cyclists and pedestrians using the path/s. Whilst we can’t do anything about the speed of cyclists, we offer a wide range of cycling training courses for both children and adults and encourage as many cyclists as possible to sign up and attend.

2.You told us that it's difficult to cross the road along the route and more crossings are needed. You said that crossing the Howard Way roundabout and Momples Road is particularly difficult.

Our response: the route will include several new parallel* crossings to give pedestrians and cyclists priority when crossing any of the side streets along the route.

At the Howard Way/First Avenue roundabout, a toucan crossing** will replace the current zebra crossing (on the north arm of Howard Way) and will be moved down closer to the roundabout.

Where Momples Road meets First Avenue, there will be a parallel* crossing and the speed limit will be reduced to 30mph.

* A parallel crossing has separate crossing areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

* The difference between a toucan crossing and a pelican or puffin crossing, is that they have an additional traffic light signal for bikes.

3. You told us that you’d rather the new route ran along one side of First Avenue only, without the need to cross the road.

Our response: we welcomed this feedback but we found that there are limitations to the route running along one side of the road mainly because the route needs to align with the existing underpass on the A414.

The proposed design requires cyclists to cross just once, to the west of Momples Road (making use of an existing crossing point).

If you're a pedestrian and wish to continue along the north side of First Avenue, you will still be able to do so.

Read the full evaluation report.