Ealing Southall: how we designed improved cycle routes to Heathrow

In 2023, Ealing Council launched a number of ambitious initiatives to make it safer and easier for people to choose walking, cycling and other forms of active travel. The aim is to create a healthier, safer and greener community. One of these initiatives focused on cycle routes connecting Southall to Heathrow Airport.

With a significant number of Heathrow employees residing in Southall, there were significant potential benefits to reap through improving cycling infrastructure, and consequently reduce vehicular traffic and improve safety. In addition, there was scope to encourage sustainable commuting through the enhancement of cycle routes. These would compound the airport’s own target of 6% employees cycling to work: Heathrow aims to reduce employee car use by 1% annually, and has provided off-road cycle lanes and a cycle hub to encourage cycling.

Metis was commissioned to deliver a feasibility study assessing potential improvements to the cycling route between Cranford High Street and Southall Lane.

The project goals were to:

• reduce road accidents and improve perceptions of road safety for cyclists
• encourage Heathrow employees to adopt cycling as a mode of transport, thereby reducing single-occupancy car journeys
• improve cycling links between Southall and Heathrow, enhancing accessibility for both employees and residents

The Challenge

Limited Space for Cycling Infrastructure

Western Road, a vital corridor between the Hounslow border and central Southall, faced significant space limitations. This complicated the installation of segregated cycling facilities.

High-Risk Areas for Cyclists

This area had a history of road collisions involving cyclists. This necessitated a detailed risk assessment to pinpoint the most hazardous locations, and identify what made them significantly hazardous.

Complex Urban Environment

Integrating new cycle routes with the existing road networks, parking areas and pedestrian pathways presented a design challenge. Any design required minimal disruption to the community.

The Solution

Feasibility Study and Pre-Design Phase

Metis kicked off the project by conducting a comprehensive pre-design phase. This involved:

• reviewing existing highway alignments, junction layouts, and barriers to active travel
• conducting a desktop study and site visit to familiarise the team with the local area
• collaborating with Ealing Council to ensure alignment with their objectives

The feasibility study was rooted in compliance with LTN 1/20 guidelines, prioritising the safety and comfort of cyclists. Additionally, Metis worked in line with the Healthy Streets approach. This ensured the proposed solutions would contribute to a safer, more liveable urban environment for all users.

Strategic Solutions and Deliverables

Metis identified several options for introducing segregated or light-segregated cycle lanes along Western Road, despite the space limitations. This included assessing the potential to relocate or remove parking and loading bays where necessary.

LTN 1/20 Designing Principles
“Direct, Safe, Comfortable, Attractive and Coherent”: Metis designed options in line with the guidance provided to local authorities on delivering high-quality cycle infrastructure.

Risk-Based Design
By analysing collision data, Metis identified high-risk areas for cyclists and proposed targeted solutions. These included improved junction layouts and additional pedestrian crossings.

Connecting a Bigger Area
To enhance cycling accessibility across Southall, the team recommended connections to quieter residential roads. This intended to enable safe and direct travel for people cycling, while allowing people of all ages to access educational and leisure locations.

Metis provided Ealing Council with a comprehensive set of deliverables to support these strategic solutions, including:

Feasibility Report
A detailed analysis of options for cycle route improvements, aligned with safety and urban design standards.

General Arrangement Plans
Technical drawings outlining proposed design options.

Wider Connectivity Plan
A strategic plan illustrating how the route would integrate with the broader ‘Improvement of Cycle Routes to Heathrow Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP)’.

Metis Added Value

Metis exceeded the original scope of the brief by identifying three possible route options, and carefully analysing the viability of each against LTN 1/20 principles and Cycling Level of Service. One of the routes was ultimately deemed unfeasible, due to non-compliance with health and safety guidelines. By recommending a more suitable alternative, Metis met safety standards and enhanced overall connectivity and the commuter experience.

Metis’s ability to balance safety, urban functionality and sustainability goals ensured that the project was forward-thinking. This also prepared it to be scaled as development moves into the next phase.

The Outcome

The feasibility study highlighted key areas where interventions, such as segregated lanes and improved crossings, would significantly reduce the risk of accidents. This created a safer environment for both people cycling and pedestrians.

By identifying viable cycle routes connecting Southall to Heathrow, the project supports Heathrow employees who choose to cycle to work. This offers a healthier and more sustainable commuting option.

The project aligns with Ealing Council’s broader goal of encouraging people to choose active and sustainable travel for short local journeys. This reduces dependency on cars and contributes to a healthier, greener and cleaner Southall.

The proposed cycle infrastructure forms a critical part of the council’s long-term sustainability goals, in order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. By reducing single-occupancy car journeys, the initiative will help alleviate traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions. This ultimately improves air quality for local residents.

By focusing on safety, sustainability and connectivity, the project supports Ealing Council’s vision and contributes to the wider effort to create a healthier, greener and more connected London.

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