The Albion Channel path is a vital active travel corridor connecting Canada Water station to Surrey Water. Used daily by hundreds of commuters on bikes, parents with buggies, wheelchair users, and mobility scooter riders, it is one of our area's most important routes for anyone moving on wheels.

However, its usability and safety are compromised by ten bumpy cobblestone sections along the designated cycle path. Anyone riding or rolling along the channel is obliged to navigate these rough stretches.

Why This Proposal Benefits Everyone - Including Pedestrians

• Protecting Pedestrians: The lack of a continuous, smooth cycle lane currently disincentivises cyclists from staying in their lane. Instead, they often drift onto the pedestrian side. This creates unnecessary discomfort and collision risks for pedestrians - especially young children walking or playing along the path. Providing a smooth cycle lane would keep bikes where they belong, making the footway safer and more relaxed for everyone walking.
• Accessibility & Step-Free Travel: For cyclists, wheelchair and mobility scooter users, the strong vibration from cobble stones causes extreme discomfort and presents a barrier to smooth mobility.
• Cycling Safety: The uneven cobble stone cause harsh rattling and become dangerously slippery when wet, creating a risk of skidding or loss of control.

The Proposed Solution
We are asking Southwark Council to replace the ten cobblestone sections along the cycle path with a smooth asphalt (tarmac) surface, creating a single continuous, smooth cycle lane all along the channel.

Crucially, this proposal involves:

• Preserving Local Historic Character: We fully appreciate that the cobblestones reflect the dockland heritage of Rotherhithe. The proposal does not seek to remove cobblestones entirely - they would remain on the surrounding pedestrian and landscaping features.
• Clear Path Demarcation: The replacement would include clear visual and physical demarcation between the cycle path and the pedestrian footway (such as contrasting surface colours or line markings), maintaining clear separation between modes.

Pre-Approved Feasibility & Next Steps
Southwark Highways officers have already reviewed this concept via a Councillor Member's Enquiry and confirmed that replacing the cobble stones with asphalt along the cycle path is acceptable, provided clear visual safety cues are maintained.

To secure necessary funding for these works, we would like to submit a formal application to Southwark Council’s Neighbourhood Grants / Cleaner Greener Safer Programme. (Of the pool of proposals submitted, councillors will select the ones to be funded.) 

Please sign and share this petition to show our ward councillors that local residents want a smooth, safe, and accessible Albion Channel path for pedestrians and wheel-users alike!