Are cyclists finally getting the message on Oxford Street?

Cyclists riding through the newly-pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street have been a familiar sight since the traffic ban was launched nearly two weeks ago.

They’ve been the scourge of pedestrians along London’s transformed shopping hotspot, weaving between people, riding on pavements and ringing their bell to get folks to move out of the way.

On Tuesday, October 27, the day after pedestrianisation launched, the Standard counted 51 cyclists pedalling into the traffic-free zone in an hour.

But it seems cyclists who were either ignorant of the new rules, or happy to ignore them, may finally be getting the message.

A 40-minute count during Wednesday's morning commute recorded just 10 people cycling through the pedestrianised stretch, while a further six got off and walked their bikes.

A cyclist is spotted riding through the pedestrianised stretch of Oxford Street

Supplied

Cyclists mounting the pavement and weaving through pedestrians was a common site in the first few days

Supplied

The right way to do it: A cyclist pushing his bike on Oxford Street

The Standard

The observations was made along the section running from the Nike and H&M stores towards Uniqlo, taking in the junction leading towards John Lewis.

The area was relatively quiet during the count, with most people using the newly car-free space walking through the West End or heading to work.

A number of runners were also spotted making use of the road, which has been transformed to give pedestrians more room without having to dodge passing traffic.

The Standard returned to the pedestrianised zone on Friday morning, spotting just one cyclist in a 30-minute period. They were quickly asked by Transport for London staff to dismount, and no fine was issued.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan attends a ceremony to mark a section of Oxford Street going traffic-free

AFP/Getty

Speaking to The Standard on Thursday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she had been told the number of cyclists using the area had “decreased significantly” over the previous few days.

“I think the real priority is getting safe alternative routes in place and I think Westminster City Council and TFL are working on that at the moment,” she told The Standard.

An aerial view of Oxford Street as pedestrianisation came into force

PA Wire

“I understand that the numbers have decreased significantly in recent days because when Oxford Street was pedestrianised just over a week ago now, obviously it takes a little bit of time for people to get used to the new arrangements.

“I think the problem has significantly gone away in the last few days compared to what it was like a week or so ago, and I think that's because people were getting used to the new scheme being in place.”

According to data compiled by the Marylebone Association, some journeys across the West End have been taking up to 11 minutes longer since pedestrianisation began.

The transformation is intended to make Oxford Street a more pedestrian-friendly shopping destination, giving people more space to walk, shop and spend time in the area.

With the Christmas shopping rush fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether cyclists will continue to heed the new restrictions.