When people think about getting around Harlow and the local area, safety often plays a big part in the choices they make.
It might be deciding to walk into town after work, cycle to the station, or whether a route feels suitable for children and families.
A key aim of the recent improvements between Harlow Town Station and the Town Centre was to create journeys that feel safer and more comfortable, with a new walking and cycling route running through the tree-lined corridor between the two locations.
The wider route provides dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, giving everyone more room to move along the corridor.
For many users, having extra space and clearer separation makes journeys feel relaxed and enjoyable.
That might not sound like a major change, but it can make a big difference to how a journey feels.
Instead of walking or cycling alongside busy traffic for the entire route, people now have sections that feel calmer, greener and more welcoming to use.
The Essex County Council project team also worked to protect the established trees by using a permeable surface in certain areas.
This allows rainwater to continue reaching the roots while helping to preserve one of the route’s most distinctive features.
It’s a small example of how the project is not just about getting people from A to B, but about creating routes that people actually want to use and enjoy.
Busy junctions can often feel like a barrier, especially for less confident cyclists or families travelling together.
New signal-controlled crossings have been introduced at key locations, including Burnt Mill and Velizy Avenue.
These upgrades make it easier to cross busy roads and improve links between neighbourhoods, Harlow Town Centre and the station.
For many residents, this could mean choosing a route they may previously have avoided.
Lighting is another improvement people may notice, particularly as we approach the clocks going back and the darker winter months.
New and upgraded lighting has been installed along sections of the route, including areas that previously had little or no dedicated lighting.
Good lighting doesn’t just help people see where they’re going.
It can also make routes feel more welcoming to use throughout the day and evening.
A well-lit crossing, a clear route through a neighbourhood or a path that feels open and visible can all make the difference between choosing to make a journey or staying in the car.
The improvements have also helped replace some of the informal routes people had created over time.
In places, residents were crossing grass verges, walking through muddy areas or using routes that were less direct.
New links, including connections to The Hides and local amenities, provide clearer and more accessible routes for everyday journeys.
Perhaps most importantly, the improvements aim to help people feel more confident about choosing to walk or cycle.
For experienced cyclists, some journeys may have always felt straightforward.
But for families and people returning to active travel, confidence can make all the difference.
The aim isn’t to tell people how they should travel. It’s about making sure there are realistic options available when deciding the best way to make a journey.
Over time, that can help more people make shorter trips without relying on the car every time.
It also frees up space on the road network for those journeys where driving remains the best option.
Whether you’re heading to the station, visiting the town centre or simply enjoying a walk, the improvements have been designed to make your journey feel safer, greener and more pleasant.
More reading:
Station to Town Centre: What’s New
