Haringey Council is set to review cycling safety in the borough, with a focus on the balance between cyclists and pedestrians. The Culture, Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Panel will lead the discussion, exploring the position of cyclists and pedestrians in the context of the Walking and Cycling Action Plan (WACAP). The review also plans to consider existing cycling infrastructure challenges in Haringey that contribute to safety concerns for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The review, scheduled for discussion at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 20 October 2025, will focus on the impact of increased cycling on safety and consider current and proposed infrastructure to support cyclists in the borough. The panel also plans to address the growing use of electric bikes and illegal adapted bikes and their impact on pedestrian safety, including enforcement approaches.

The Culture, Community Safety and Environment Scrutiny Panel aims to make recommendations to the Cabinet regarding policies and proposals for improving cycling infrastructure while ensuring the safety of pavement users. The panel's draft scope document, available in the Public reports pack, outlines the key lines of enquiry:

  • What are residents' experiences of the WACAP principles, including reduced car use and improved walking and cycling experiences?
  • How can safety be improved for cyclists and other road users, promoting safer and more considerate cycling practices for both conventional and e-bikes?
  • Can recommendations be made to the Cabinet to improve the Walking and Cycling Action Plan and related plans like the Streets for People Investment Plan - 2025/26 to 2029/30?
  • How does Haringey compare to other local authorities in cyclist and pedestrian safety, and what lessons can be learned?
  • What enforcement measures are effective in other boroughs?
  • How do these issues affect those with protected characteristics, including disabled pedestrians, children, young people, and the elderly?

The panel intends to gather evidence from various sources, including resident surveys, local groups like Haringey Living Streets and the Haringey Cycling Campaign, and council officers. The draft scope for the Cycling Safety Review mentions that resident opinion and experience will be gathered through an online survey via the website and local groups focus groups - including Haringey Living Streets, Haringey Cycling Campaign, Disability Action Group, Haringey Climate Forum Organise. They also plan to examine collision data and enforcement practices in other boroughs, such as the City of London, known for its cycling safety record.

The agenda for the meeting specifies that the committee will consider and approve the scoping documents and terms of reference for the review, ensuring it aligns with the council's goals for improving resident health and wellbeing, promoting environmental sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions, as outlined in the Corporate Delivery Plan.

The review is linked to the Corporate Delivery Plan's objectives to expand active travel, enhance the cycling network, improve pedestrian environments, and implement measures to reduce speed and safeguard vulnerable road users.