Security patrols to stop cyclists using bridge at £3.3bn London development

The 170-metre pedestrian bridge is a flagship component of Canada Dock's wetland transformation
The 170-metre pedestrian bridge is a flagship component of Canada Dock’s wetland transformation - Brendan Bell

Security patrols have been deployed to prevent cyclists from riding on a bridge at a £3.3bn London development.

The 170-metre red bridge over wetlands in Canada Water, south-east London, opened last week to begin a 12-year rejuvenation plan for the area.

New signs and assigned security patrols will instruct cyclists to dismount on the bridge after it was designated a no-cycling area.

British Land, the property developer behind the bridge, has described Canada Water as the first new town centre in 50 years, with up to 3,000 new homes, work space and a leisure centre with swimming pools and sports courts.

A spokesman said “Our approach to managing public space, which includes the boardwalk, will balance the safety of all those using the space with creating a welcoming environment for all.

“The boardwalk is to be a no-cycling area, which will be managed by a mixture of signage and security patrols by our in-house property management team.

“Our security patrols are already in place, and we’re reviewing shift patterns over the next few weeks and months to make sure the right amount of resources are in the right place at the right times.”

The bridge was designed by the architect Asif Khan, who won an international competition to design the new Museum of London
The bridge was designed by the architect Asif Khan, who won an international competition to design the new Museum of London - Brendan Bell

It is unclear what powers the security patrols will have to prevent cyclists from going on the bridge, which will connect Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Canada Water Library and Deal Porters Way.

British Land has said the 53-acre project presents an opportunity for visitors to “get up close and personal with the wetland habitat”.

The wetland area was created in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust and ecologists from Southwark council, while the bridge was designed by the architect Asif Khan, who won an international competition to design the new Museum of London.

Southwark council has been approached for comment.

The decision to ban cyclists comes after reports that Birmingham City council was considering extending the city’s public spaces protection order to include anti-social cycling.