Move by Bike
Why you should move by bike
Cycling is the fastest and easiest way to get around and is more reliable than other forms of transport, especially for local journeys and in congested areas. Cycling is a great way to reduce your transport costs, as there are no parking or petrol costs and no risk of parking tickets!
Cycling is a great way to keep fit. Riding a bike for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week can help maintain fitness, significantly contribute to a longer life expectancy and halve the risk of heart disease.
The health advantages of cycling outweigh the risks by a ratio of 20 to 1, according to the British Medical Association. Regular cyclists typically enjoy the fitness levels (heart rate, blood pressure) of non-cyclists ten years their junior.
Over two thirds of all trips and over half of car trips are under 5 miles; approximately a 30 minute cycle ride.
The London Cycling Campaign and Transport for London (TfL) have produced 19 free cycle guides showing the best cycle routes across the whole of London. Area guides 4 and 7 cover Hackney and can be ordered from the Transport for London website or by telephoning 020 7222 1234.
Hackney Cycling Guide
Cycling Routes in Hackney (811KB)
If you would like to be sent a copy of this map, please email movegreener@hackney.gov.uk
Free cycle training
Free cycle training is available to all those who live, work and study in the borough. For more information take a look at the Cyclist Training page.
Advice for safer cycling:
- Ensure that your bicycle is safe to use – check your brakes and tyres are in good working order
- You must have a rear reflector and working front and rear lights for night-time cycling
- Consider wearing reflective and fluorescent material and bright-coloured clothes
- Get specialist advice on a safety helmet
- Make full use of cycle routes - they are for your safety and convenience
- Take care whilst cycling near traffic and always obey the Highway Code - for everyone's safety
- Be confident. Cycling too close to the kerb increases the risk as it makes you less visible to other traffic. Ride far enough from parked cars to avoid opening doors
- Give lorries space. Be aware that large vehicles have blind spots - if you can’t see their mirrors they can’t see you. Do not creep up the nearside of large vehicles at junctions
Go on, move greener
Page updated: 20 Nov 2008