Cycle Paths in Hampstead Cause Controversy

There was alarm on the front of last weeks Ham&High over the proposal that the pedestrian path that runs along-side New End Way could be turned into a cycle path.

    New End Way connects the top of Hampstead to Golders Green to the north, a road I personally use an awful lot. It runs between the bulk of Hampstead Heath and Hampstead Heath extension (one of the nicest parts of the Heath, but that's besides the point...)

    It's an unusual road as there is little light along there at night and only one pedestrian path that runs next to it. This is path that officials have suggested could become a cycle path and members of the public are quite alarmed by this.

    Of course, an area like this is dangerous for both pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians have often been mugged at night walking along this path. It's right next to the Heath, an easy escape for attackers, and also rather dark at night, so quite intimidating. Yet during the day it's a nice escape from walking next to the road.

    For cyclists, on the other side of the argument, they have to deal with a rather dangerous road. It's busy and the traffic moves quickly. I've seen many a bus driver hurtle down this road. I imagine it's quite scary to be on two wheels down there.

    Of course, there only being one path is an issue, and pedestrians and cyclists sharing a route is never ideal. So which course of action here is the correct one? Opinions?