Cyclists ride through Oxford Street pedestrian scheme as cab journeys lengthen
Oxford Street’s new pedestrian-only scheme has faced problems within days of its launch, with cyclists riding through the area and weaving among shoppers. The scenes have raised questions about how well the rules are being enforced and whether the plan is delivering the calmer shopping environment promised.
The 0.9-kilometre stretch between Selfridges and Ikea was closed to cars, buses, taxis and bikes from Monday, with security guards telling cyclists to dismount and walk. Black cab driver Bahrain Mujagata, 21, said traffic had built up on nearby Regent Street and that journeys were taking him up to 20 minutes longer; he supports pedestrianisation in principle but criticised the way the scheme was introduced.
In short
- Cyclists have continued riding through Oxford Street’s new pedestrian zone.
- A cab driver says nearby congestion is adding up to 20 minutes to journeys.
- The 0.9-kilometre scheme began on Monday.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A pedestrian-only Oxford Street could make a busy shopping area calmer and safer for people on foot, while reducing the dominance of motor traffic. Early breaches by cyclists may show that clearer enforcement and practical adjustments are needed, rather than that the scheme’s aims are unsound.
The case against
The early scenes of cyclists moving among shoppers raise a reasonable concern that the rules are not being enforced well enough to deliver the promised environment. The closure has also reportedly added traffic to nearby Regent Street and lengthened cab journeys, suggesting that its effects on local travel and businesses need careful attention.
Explained simply
Oxford Street is a major shopping street in central London, running through the West End. Its shops attract residents and visitors, while buses, taxis and other traffic have traditionally used the road.
Pedestrianisation means giving people on foot more space by restricting vehicles. The scheme covers a 0.9-kilometre section between Selfridges and Ikea; its rules also exclude bicycles, with cyclists expected to get off and walk. Changes to traffic on Oxford Street can affect nearby roads and people travelling through the area.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Is this what you had in mind, mayor? Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street revolution descends into chaos as cyclists turn ‘pedestrian-only’ zone into ‘highway’ – and cab drivers warn journeys are taking longer”.