Greener, healthier, more welcoming streets for all between Nag’s Head and York Way

The changes will form part of the wider Cycleway 50 project, a cycle route that Transport for London (TfL) has built between Finsbury Park and Camden to make it easier to walk, cycle, and wheel.

At the start of last year, the council reached out to people living in the Nag’s Head and York Way area to understand the changes that they’d like to see in their community as part of the Cycleway 50 project.    

Their ideas, insights, and thoughts helped shape the council’s proposals, which were put to a public consultation in October. Based on feedback received from respondents during that consultation, the council is now moving forward with the following improvements:   

• Creating a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Caledonian Road, near Penn Road, with new greening and cycle parking near Penn Stores.
• Creating a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Hillmarton Road, at Hungerford Road, with traffic calming, new greening, and more cycle parking near St Luke’s Church.    
• Improving the crossings on Penn Road, near the gate to Penn Road Gardens, and on Hungerford Road near Middleton Grove. At both crossings, the council will increase the pavement space and deliver more greening. 
• Enabling two-way cycling on one-way streets, on Caledonian Road as cycle lanes separated from traffic, and on Penn Road as cycle symbol markings along the road.   

During the public consultation, 68% of respondents said that the changes would encourage them to walk, wheel, or scoot in the area (21% disagreed), and 68% also said they’d be more likely to cycle in the area (23% disagreed).   

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport, said: “We believe that Islington’s streets aren’t just a route from A to B – they’re community spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy, and play a key role in our efforts to create a greener, healthier, more equal borough.   

“That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with local people to transform our streets to reduce the health risks associated with air pollution, to create more opportunities to get active, and to introduce more green spaces that all can enjoy. 

“The Nag’s Head to York Way improvements are a perfect example of how we’re working directly with communities to create better streets for all, and we’re really excited to see the benefits that the project brings.”   

Work on making changes to the area are expected to conclude in April. Those affected by the works will receive a leaflet with further details.  

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Well-connected and high-quality cycleways play a crucial role enabling more Londoners to cycle safely. These cycleway extensions will make cycling safer and more accessible to more communities across the capital.

"We’re determined to build a cleaner, greener and more prosperous London for everyone, and we will continue to work closely with boroughs to expand the network of cycleways.”

Notes to editors 

The introduction of the Nag’s Head to York Way improvements is just one of the steps that the council is taking to create a greener, healthier, more equal borough in 2024 and beyond.    

As Islington’s streets continue to be transformed in pursuit of a greener, healthier borough, it’s easier than ever to make more journeys on foot, bike or wheel – which helps to improve mental and physical wellbeing, is cost-effective, and is fun. 

There’s plenty of support available for those taking more journeys actively, including free cycle training, school travel plans, and walking maps. Find out more on the council’s website.