Designs for a revolutionary cyclist and pedestrian bridge, thought to be a first of its kind, have been unveiled but one bike enthusiast has said the "funky" bridges must also be fit for purpose.
Four proposals for a bridge over the River Thames between Pimlico and Nine Elms were shortlisted on Tuesday, July 21, from 74 initial entries in a competition run by Wandsworth Council, launched in December 2014.
A Transport for London feasibility study suggested the bridge would cost in the region of £40million and provide a car-free alternative to Vauxhall and Chelsea Bridges.
One purpose for the crossing is to encourage growth in Nine Elms, where new homes and businesses are being created to transform the previously-industrial area, and leader of Wandsworth Council Ravi Govindia said he is very excited about the "spectacular" designs.
He said: "There is still a long way to go but these teams have given us real hope that a solution can be found to the complex challenges involved in creating a new pedestrian and cycle link across this stretch of the river."
Architects from across the globe submitted designs for the bridge with a brief that it must be high enough for boats to pass below, but not too steep for cyclists to climb.
The final proposals include spiralling staircases and snake-like ramps linking the bridge to the riverbank.
Some require convincing.
John Hamlen, owner of Flag Bikes in Battersea Park Road, said the bridge could be an exciting prospect but was concerned the design must be absolutely fit for purpose in order for cyclists to benefit.
He said: "The designs look interesting and really funky but if the one that is chosen is not focused on its primary purpose then there’s not much point.
"From what I have seen the cycle paths look like the ones you see all over London and I can envisage cyclists going down the pedestrian routes if they are the path of least resistance.
"I just hope they get it right."
The teams left in the running are Buro Happold, Bystrup Architecture Design and Engineering and Ove Arup and Partners, who have two shortlisted designs.
Londoners are invited to provide input on the designs, and feedback will be considered by the competition panel before a winner is named in October.
Visit nepbridgecompetition.co.uk for more information.
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