A new cycle lane running in both directions near Kew Gardens is now in place.

A system of raised posts (known as wands and armadillos) now separate the cycle lanes from the traffic lanes on Kew Road.

They form Richmond borough's first protected cycle lane.

The posts are an upgrade and replace the red and white water barriers which were used to create a temporary lane for cyclists.

Richmond Council secured £250,000 of funding from Transport for London to make the changes.

Measures installed between Lion Gate Gardens and Kew Gardens Road include:

• The introduction of a mandatory 24-hour cycle lane in both directions.
• An upgrade of the existing single yellow line waiting restrictions to double yellow lines
• The introduction of peak hour loading restrictions (7am – 7pm)

They will stay in place for up to 18 months – with the possibility of being made permanent afterwards.

The first six of these months is a consultation phase and any comments, questions, queries or concerns about the works can be sent to: [email protected].

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Councillor Alexander Ehmann, chair of the council's Transport and Air Quality Committee, said the cycle lane will let people of all ages ride in safety and comfort along this stretch.

"The Kew Road scheme has required considerable adjustment by residents and visitors to the Royal Botanical Gardens," he said.

"The council is immensely grateful for all involved in allowing this important changes to come into being.

"Alongside Kew Gardens; one of the greatest beacons of sustainability on the planet, we now have a beacon of cycling provision to match.

"The new scheme has taken a de-facto coach and car park and turned it into a facility that positively invites people of all ages and experiences to cycle in safety and comfort.

"I hope residents and visitors alike will make full use of the facility in the coming months and that it may yet provide a long-standing facility that can be built on and improved over time."

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