Cars Out, Bikes In
By Mohammed Saad and Esther Afornu.
Barking and Dagenham council started a three month transformation (from June to August) install cycle lanes.
The council has created a 4-phase roadmap and timeline. It includes cycle tracks, pedestrian-friendly pavements, improved safety and bright and green spaces.
It seems their aim is to make everything green and protect the environment.
This new change to Dagenham has caused some disruption within the community, with bus diversions and concerns of how long it’s taking to build.
Saleem Patel, DPM said that he will “make every effort to minimise disruption”.
If you travel through Heathway, you might want to think ahead when planning your daily routes.
Here are some resources and information to help any readers who are affected:
roadworksradar.uk
oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk
publicnoticeportal.uk
But what does the public feel about this new project?
Roxana, who used to live nearby, has some concerns to share:”Whenever the council starts a project there are so many minds working behind it, but as a resident, my opinion is quite negative because of the fact that that roads can be quite busy during rush hour, if they want to make it more narrow there’s going to be problems for the people who are driving.
“There’s a big roundabout and five different lanes, and now they are making two different lanes and making the road even more narrow. If you ask me to ride on that road I would not feel comfortable because it’s not safe”.