Thread: Anyone listening to One Dulwich’s outrage at roads being closed to through-traffic might be mistaken for thinking it’s a brand new idea, never tried before.

Except it has. Reducing traffic on problem roads to make them more livable for residents and a heap safer for people walking & cycling is not a new phenomenon. There are many examples locally...

First we have Gilkes Crescent. The gate was installed many years ago, preventing drivers cutting through to Calton. For the last 2 years the D Village exit has also been blocked to cars. Now it’s in, residents value the benefits despite having to change their route if driving.

Next up it’s Oakhurst Grove. A quiet no-through road since the permeable filter was added many moons ago. Instead of being a cut through between two main roads it’s now a lovely low-traffic route to Goose Green park, safe enough for kids to cycle on. Any calls for its removal?

Onwards to the one-way maze of Copleston-Oglander-Ondine. Locals often talk about avoiding going here in a car as they can’t find their way out. Result? Lovely quiet roads.

We’re yet to find residents complaining about the added length of their journeys.

Swinging past the new Bellenden School, they might not be pretty but the concrete blocks on Troy Town do a brilliant job of providing a safe car-free school & nursery entrance 24/7. Who thinks they should be removed?

Another school, this time Harris Boys Academy on Peckham Rye. Neighbouring Friern Road was made an access-only road to calm traffic. Nice permeable filter and a great way to cycle between Dulwich and Peckham Rye park

And we couldn’t finish our local tour without mentioning this fine filter off Red Post Hill at the end of Elmwood Road.

Anyone needing to drive can access the road from the other end. We haven’t found anyone campaigning for this one to be removed either.

Of course there were people opposing these changes back then, as there are in Dulwich now. There will have been lots of concerns raised and angry emails to councillors.

But over time people get used to it & the lack of ongoing campaigns to reverse these schemes is very telling.

We get it. Change is hard and can feel really uncomfortable. But something must be done to get more people walking & cycling (air pollution, climate emergency, obesity crisis etc...).

Doing nothing is not an option.

Both government and TfL are boldly mandating that local councils invest in prioritising walking and cycling. More change will be coming, across London and nationally.

If you’re still feeling anxious about the changes this is a great resource with some practical tips https://twitter.com/SEMags_ADulwich/status/1278758014955257864