The Peckham to Streatham Healthy Route is part of the Healthy Routes network, connecting neighbourhoods in and around Herne Hill, Tulse Hill and Streatham, using mainly quieter streets. Since September 2020, the project has sought to enable walking, cycling, and wheeling.
The first phase introduced cycle lanes on Norwood Road alongside Brockwell Park. In the second phase, traffic wands were added to the northbound cycle lane, to increase safety for people cycling.
Phase 2, delivered in February 2022, included traffic wands on Norwood Road’s northbound cycle lane to meet Transport for London (TfL) cycling standards.
Additionally, a parallel zebra crossing at Leigham Court Road created safer routes for Dunraven School students and connected key low-traffic neighbourhoods.
These changes became permanent in 2023 after public consultations revealed broad support.
The latest phase focuses on the stretch between Brockwell Park Gardens, High Trees, and Roycroft Close. Proposed upgrades include:
- Enhanced safety measures: Raised continuous footways and a new parallel zebra crossing for people walking, wheeling, and cycling
- Improved accessibility: Widened footways for shared use, tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians, and better cycle access.
- Public realm enhancements: Green spaces with biodiverse planting, seating, and play features to create a welcoming environment.
- Improved signage: The route will be signposted between Brockwell Park and Streatham Common, helping to guide people walking, wheeling, and cycling along the healthy route.
These measures aim to bridge existing routes, such as the Brockwell Park to Gipsy Hill cycleway and the Streatham Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood, paving the way for Cycleway 48.
Community Engagement has been central to the development of the project. Informal consultations with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders, including TfL and emergency services, began in 2021.
Small changes have been made during the design process as a result of consultation feedback, such as incorporating tactile paving on continuous footways to help guide visually impaired people. This was requested by Lambeth’s Accessibility Working Group.
The scheme underscores Lambeth’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being. Features like biodiverse planting, cycle parking, and improved pedestrian pathways aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance public spaces.
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2025.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “Upgrading this Healthy Route will enable people to travel with confidence in more active ways.
“It will provide a low traffic route that makes travelling to Brockwell Park as well as the wider area more accessible, while enhancing the public realm to make it easier for people to enjoy their neighbourhoods and contribute to the sustainable transformation of our borough.
“Healthy Routes are crucial as they provide a safe and secure way for people to get around Lambeth by walking, wheeling or cycling. Active travel has enormous benefits for peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing.”
