I would agree that the lack of handrails at the steepest and topmost part of the bridge is the worst safety aspect, I have never come across that many cycles using the bridge when the ramps or now the channel were fitted.

It would be interesting to discover who persuaded LBL to install that cycle channel, and how much it cost, because general maintenance on the bridge is now overdue. No doubt now LBL have no funds available to do it.

The current problem is fallen leaves tend to congregate and make the stair treads even more slippery. Also some of the metal treads are becoming loose.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, I presume LBL even have to plan at some point for a complete replacement of the bridge with one with wheelchair ramps, or even a subway?

I have a theory looking at Sydenham Park and the lane/footpath from the Inglemere Road junction with Dacres Road, that many, many years ago there may have even been a level crossing here? I've never found a map or photograph to prove it.

Could there even have been a canal crossing bridge here when the railway was a canal.?