If that is still one of the functions of the tunnel, it is obviously not an activity that can satisfactorily be performed on a ferry. Will the London Borough of Greenwich be providing suitable alternative arrangements for such couples? Would these be free, or would carnets and season tickets be required?

Greenwich Council will need to give plenty of notice before closing the tunnels as they are public highways, and unless a free ferry service is laid on local cycling groups will object to their closure forcing a public enquiry.

The best place to be kept up to date about the proposed closure of the Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels is the Greenwich Cyclists’ Website:
http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?catid=9&blogid=1

The Mayor of London seems particularly disinterested in the tunnels’ proposed closure:

*Written Answers to Questions about Cycling – Mayors Question Time
21/5/09. *

*Closure of Greenwich Foot Tunnel [1]*

*Question No: 1105 / 2009*

Caroline Pidgeon

Since the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is due to be closed for 18 months from
next year for lifts to be replaced, and some 415 cyclists were recently
logged using the Tunnel between 7am and 9.30am, what plans does TfL have
for getting these cyclists across the river to work during the closure?

*Answer from the Mayor:*

The London Borough of Greenwich is responsible for the foot tunnel and
is considering what alternative arrangements should be put in place
during the replacement of the lifts. London Borough of Greenwich
officers are in contact with Thames Clippers regarding their plans for
alternative river crossing arrangements during the period of closure.
TfL is available to provide advice to Greenwich if requested.

*Closure of Greenwich Foot Tunnel [2]*

*Question No: 1106 / 2009*

Caroline Pidgeon

During the 18 months of the planned Greenwich Foot Tunnel closure, will
you consider operating a ferry service across the river for pedestrians
and cyclists?

*Answer from the Mayor:*

The London Borough of Greenwich is responsible for the foot tunnel and
is considering what alternative arrangements should be put in place
during the replacement of the lifts. London Borough of Greenwich
officers are in contact with Thames Clippers regarding their plans for
alternative river crossing arrangements during the period of closure.
TfL is available to provide advice to Greenwich if requested.

*

*Closure of Greenwich Foot Tunnel [3]*

*Question No: 1107 / 2009*

Caroline Pidgeon

During the period when the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is closed for
renovations, will you explore the possibility of either organising a
free boat ferry for pedestrians and cyclists between Greenwich and the
Isle of Dogs or subsidising free travel for them on the Thames Clipper
service between the piers at Cutty Sark and Masthouse Terrace?

*Answer from the Mayor:*

The provision and funding of alternative arrangements during the closure
of the Greenwich foot tunnel is a matter for the London Borough of
Greenwich who is carrying out this work.

Please refer to my answer to question 1106/2009.

The council website contradicts itself on the subject, and when I spoke to their helpline I got the impressive response: “sorry, we don’t know”.

given that the DLR is off this weekend, as is the Jubilee line, it’s the only option save swimming. I have no intention of trekking down to Island Gardens only to find it shut…

So: is it open right now or not??

I would imagine that the foot tunnel WILL close, regardless of any protests made.
Therefore, is it not best to accept this and rather look to mitigation?
For instance, imagine the situation where there was a frequent replacement ferry. This would be preferable to the existing foot-funnel with it’s oft closed lifts, especially for people with bicycles. Think about it: carry bike down stairs, wheel bike down tunnel, carry bike up other stairs; OR get on ground level ferry, rest bike, get off ferry other side.
So why not devote protest energies towards getting a frequent ferry (and “frequent” is, of course, essential) rather than trying to resist a fait accompli.

Makes sense to me or am I talking Winnie the **** ?

Derek B

I was unaware of this feery service, do you have any more detaisl please?

I am not interested in the arguments above, I just want to be able to cycle to work at the Wharf. I t will be a greaat pity if the tunnel is shut, even for a week.

Tony

One thing that struck me was the suggestion that:

“In time to come, there will be another footbridge [across the Thames] running from the O2, but not in time for this project.”