Waltham Forest's Streets Get Safer, Greener Upgrade
A new report on the impact of investment from Transport for London and the Mayor of London shows Waltham Forest's streets are getting cleaner and safer.
Waltham Forest's Streets Get Safer, Greener Upgrade
Waltham Forest’s streets have undergone major improvements over the past three years, with residents benefiting from safer roads, cleaner air and better options for walking, cycling and public transport. The progress is set out in a new report examining the impact of investment from Transport for London and the Mayor of London.
Between 2022 and 2025, 70 per cent of Waltham Forest residents walked, cycled or used public transport for their daily journeys, reflecting the borough’s continued leadership in supporting active and sustainable travel. This shift has been supported by 27 kilometres of new or upgraded cycle routes, helping make cycling a practical choice for everyday journeys and improving connectivity across neighbourhoods.
Families have also benefited from safer, calmer streets, with ongoing measures to prioritise walking and cycling and reduce traffic dominance in residential areas. These changes help improve safety, support healthier lifestyles and encourage more people to choose active travel for short trips.
Waltham Forest has also invested in greener streets, installing over 32,000 square metres of sustainable drainage systems. These schemes help manage surface water, reduce flood risk and create more resilient, attractive public spaces.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, 114 schools have achieved Travel for Life gold accreditation, recognising sustained action to reduce car use on the school run and promote walking, cycling and public transport among children and families.
Lower speeds have also contributed to safer neighbourhoods, with 15 kilometres of road having speed limits reduced to 20mph, helping create calmer streets and reduce the severity of collisions.
Together, these transport improvements show how targeted local investment can make a real difference. Waltham Forest’s changing streets are helping create healthier, more sustainable neighbourhoods, supporting community life while making it easier for people to travel safely and confidently every day.