The Kew Road Cycle Lane is to be made permanent after it was linked to a five-fold increase in the number of cyclists.

The protected cycle route was introduced during the pandemic to meet the Government's call for urgent action to help offset the reduction in public transport.

Fast-tracking the development of a high-quality Londonwide cycle network was seen as paramount in enabling London to reopen while still enabling essential trips, such as deliveries and servicing, by car.

A temporary protected cycle route was created in May 2020. A more formal cycle lane was created in the Autumn of 2020 and this will now be made permanent.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "The latest cycle lane usage data has been presented, showing that by November 2021 there were, on average, over 3,500 usages of the lane per week, compared to 556 when we recorded benchmark data in 2018.

"We also heard the results of the recent consultation, which found that 58per cent of people aware of the scheme, supported it.

"There is clearly huge demand for this cycle lane and, critically from a very broad range of cyclists, including the elderly and very young.

"With this lane we have been able to create a safe route that encourages people to travel through the area in a more sustainable and climate-friendly way.

"For that reason, the Committee agreed to make Phase 1 (Lion Gate Gardens to Kew Gardens Road) and Phase 2 (Lion Gate Gardens to A316 Richmond Circus) of the scheme permanent.

"When funding is made available, we will be looking at replacing the wands and armadillos with an upgrade to a stepped track.

"We also agreed to further work to develop the section of Kew Road, north of Stanmore Road, to allow for a cycle lane facility to be introduced. This will require some extensive works to widen the road to make space, so will be subject to detailed design and consultation; and is subject to funding.

"We are incredibly proud at what this borough has achieved with this cycle lane and we look forward to it serving as a benchmark for what can be done elsewhere in the borough."