Transport News August 2008
Tasty treats for two-wheelers
If the inaugural Tour de Hackney left you hungry for more bike themed fun, then get ready to pack your hamper and head for London Fields.
The Sunday Cycle Picnic on 7 September aims to celebrate two-wheeled travel, and encourage women to experience the fun and freedom of cycling without changing their everyday style.
Bobbin Bicycles, cyclechic.co.uk and Sawako Furuno – who have joined up with the Council to organise the event – are running a competition for the best dressed cyclist and bicycle.
The fun, which also includes vintage cycling films and games made from recycled bike parts, starts at noon and ends at 5pm.
The 2008 Tour of Britain also kicks off in central London, on 7 September.
Watch 96 professional riders line up for the first of eight gruelling legs that will take them all over the UK. The event starts at 10.30am, with the ride from 1.30-3.15pm.
Finally, Londoners will be able to experience the joys of traffic-free cycling at the London Freewheel on 21 September. Enjoy a carnival atmosphere and view the capital’s landmarks.
More information
Visit the Sunday Cycle Picnic page and www.tourofbritain.co.uk. Register to ride, or help out as a marshal at: www.londonfreewheel.com.
Bus boost benefits for nightlife in Hoxton
Revellers wanting to take the 214 bus home can now make use of an increased service on Friday and Saturday nights.
There has been increasing demand for more services between Old Street and Camden Town. It is hoped the extra services will encourage more people from outside Hackney to enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Hoxton-Shoreditch area.
Rail service disruption
Engineering work will cause disruption to parts of the North London Line this autumn.
Sections of track will close temporarily for work to improve the London Overground network.
Upgrading tracks, strengthening bridges and widening a tunnel will allow freight and passenger services to run more efficiently.
Work on the Stratford to Richmond line will affect the frequency of trains serving Hackney Wick, Homerton, Hackney Central and Dalston Kingsland.
Be prepared to change your travel plans on the Gospel Oak to Willesden Junction section of the line from 1 September to 17 November; Gospel Oak to Barking, from 1 September to 29 September; and Gospel Oak to Camden Road, from 22 to 29 September.
Transport for London (TfL) is providing replacement bus and alternative rail services during the works.
More information
Visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/
Safe as buses
A blitz on anti-social behaviour took place on Hackney’s busy 38 bus route last month.
The six-day Operation Break-Up – which concentrated on Graham Road – saw transport police patrolling buses, looking for disruptive behaviour and offering reassurance to passengers. Inspectors also checked for fare evasion, and ensured young people were validating Zip cards.
The operation, which took place in the last week of school term, resulted in 25 penalty fares and 75 notices of potential prosecution.
Police also made two arrests. This high visibility policing was designed to reduce fear of crime, particularly among young people.
Chief Superintendent Joe Royle said: “Anti-social behaviour creates an intimidating atmosphere for passengers and increases fear of crime. This was about ensuring a safe travelling environment.”
Steve Burton, from Transport for London, added: “Our most recent statistics show youth-related crime on buses has fallen by 19 per cent and we want all young people to feel safe and enjoy travelling.”
Keep pedalling through the summer
Residents who aren’t ready to stop after the Tour de Hackney on 17 August can look forward to more two-wheeled treats.
Transport for London’s Summer of Cycling campaign is urging people across the capital to dust off their bikes and use them more often.
It is estimated that 1.1 million Londoners have bikes, but just don’t get round to riding them.
For those who need a little inspiration, the 2008 Tour of Britain kicks off in London on 7 September. Watch 96 professional riders line up for the first of eight gruelling legs that will take them all over the UK.
Two weeks later, Londoners of all ages and cycling abilities will be able to experience the joys of traffic-free cycling at the London Freewheel event on 21 September.
Participants can enjoy a carnival atmosphere and views the capital’s most spectacular landmarks. Bag your place quickly before it’s fully booked.
More information
Register to ride, or help out as a marshal at: www.londonfreewheel.com or www.tourofbritain.co.uk.
Driving diversity
A growing proportion of black and minority ethnic Londoners are putting their inner street map to the test.
Black and minority ethnic applicants (BME) for the famous Knowledge test for cabbies have increased to nearly one-in three, according to the latest figures released by TfL’s Public Carriage Office (PCO).
To drive one of London’s iconic black cabs, applicants must prove they know the city like the back of their hand. In 2005, TfL launched a Put Yourself in the Driving Seat campaign to boost BME applications. The numbers applying has since grown by over 50 per cent.
TfL’s Director of Taxi and Private Hire, Ed Thompson, added: “We have done, and are still doing, a huge amount of work to encourage taxi driver applications from London’s many and diverse communities, and we are really pleased that people from all kinds of backgrounds are now coming through the worldfamous Knowledge test.”
Page updated: 9 Sep 2008