Islington racks up cycle stands
The Council has installed 350 new cycle racks in the last year – putting Islington streets ahead of other London Boroughs in providing safe places for people to lock their bikes. Locally, new bike stands have been put in on Fonthill Road, on Seven Sisters Road, Newington Barrow Way, and on Pooles Park.
In August 2007 there were 420 racks in Islington. By August 2008 the council had doubled that number to 880. Today there are over 1230 cycle racks on roads all around Islington – more than double the number than in neighbouring Labour-run Hackney.
A June 2009 report by the London Assembly found that 45% of people would cycle more if there was better cycle parking. Research conducted by TfL showed that the availability of cycle parking and the security of parked bikes remain the two biggest cycling-related concerns.
Councillor Greg Foxsmith, Islington’s Liberal Democrat councillor responsible for transport and the environment, said:
“I cycle, and would recommend it as a great way to get around Islington. The Liberal Democrats want to support people to take up cycling, and people need to know that they have somewhere secure to park their bike when they visit the shops, the doctor, church, or while they’re at work.
“That’s why this Liberal Democrat council has tripled the number of cycle racks on our streets in the last two years. We’re committed to making Islington one of the most cycle-friendly boroughs in London.”
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