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Cyclists would take over Heath
• NICOLE Segre asks: “Why assume that the Heath should be primarily reserved for the enjoyment of walkers?” (A bicycle in a park is not like a Panzer tank division, April 19). She fails to grasp the implications of extending cycle routes on Hampstead Heath.
Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC) is pushing for extensions to existing Heath cycle routes and shared paths. Its intention is clear from perusing the map of the proposed extensions on the CCC website: to incorporate the Heath within the North West London commuter cycling network.
For example, the CCC proposes that Lime Avenue become an extension or shared path. This would make it possible to cycle straight off East Heath Road onto the Heath and, facilitated by other proposed extensions, 10 in all, across the Heath to Gordon House Road, or to North End, or Hampstead Lane or Highgate, without dismounting.
All sorts of permutations and possibilities for getting around and across the Heath by bicycle would be opened up.
We would see, within a matter of months, a stream of commuter cyclists, morning and evening, criss-crossing the Heath.
Many would speed on their way to work along these shared paths, which would increasingly become no-go areas for pedestrians fearing for their safety.
What price tranquillity, peace and Ms Segre’s “precious green space”?
Those of us who love the Heath for itself, not as a means to an end, need to be as vigilant today as were all those past Heath-lovers who fought to keep it free of building and other forms of encroachment.
If demands for cycling route extensions are acceded to, the very nature of the Heath as a place for all will be affected and a hefty first nail embedded in its coffin.
CHRISTINE FOX
Co-founder, Heath For Feet
Courthope Road, NW3
• AS a regular user of the Heath I fully endorse Stephen Plowden’s letter (Heath no place for cyclists, April 12).
Small children learning to ride their bikes is one thing but cyclists at top speed detract from the charm and pleasure of walking there – to say nothing of the safety aspects.
CHRISTINE MABEY
Highbury Place
N5
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