Transport News - September 2008
Picnic time for cyclists
Fans of two-wheeled transport gathered together to celebrate cycling at the Sunday Cycle Picnic.
Attractions at the London Fields event included garden games like croquet with equipment made from recycled bicycle parts.
There were also vintage cycling films by Ray Pascoe, screened in one of the world’s first pedal powered cinemas, the Magnificent Revolution.
Cyclechic.co.uk, Bobbin Bicycles and Sawako Furuno – who helped organise the day in partnership with Hackney Council – ran a lighthearted competition for the best dressed cyclist and bicycle – which was awarded to Anastasia Tata from Hackney. She won a red play bike from Bobbin Bicycles. Jos Parsons from Walthamstow also won a Kitsch Kitchen Cycle and accessories.
The event on 7 September was designed to encourage more women to get on their bikes and experience the freedom of cycling around London without having to change their everyday style.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“Hackney has a great network of cycle routes and has been voted best bike borough in London.
“Cycling is great fun, good for your health and a very green form of transport. Events like the Sunday Cycle Picnic are a great way to encourage more people, especially women, to cycle.”
More information
Visit: the Move by Bike page; email: louisa.clarke@hackney.gov.uk; or call: 020 8356 8189.
Dial to go further
Thousand of older and disabled Londoners can look forward to a new fleet of Dial-A-Ride vehicles.
The 61 custombuilt minibuses will be introduced across the capital this year, improving mobility for Londoners who cannot easily use public transport.
Dial-A-Ride passengers and drivers have been closely involved in developing the new bus, manufactured by Bluebird, to ensure it meets users’ diverse needs.
Transport for London (TfL) has invested ?3.9million in these vehicles as part of a long-term programme to improve door to door services in the capital.
Mike Weston, from TfL, said: “Dial-A-Ride provides a vital service to those people who can’t access mainstream public transport. These new vehicles should make our customers’ journeys much more pleasant.”
The new vehicle is small with a flat, low floor and dual access at the side and rear. Tip and fold seats allow wheelchair users to manoeuvre around the vehicle much more easily; they also provide greater flexibility for accommodating individual passengers’ needs.
Walk, meet and move
Come and stretch your legs at free Autumn Amble walks on 27 and 28 September.
The 35 walks covering a total of 362 miles around the capital will give people the opportunity to discover the city by foot and make friends at the same time.
People can choose to wander the stimulating streets of central London, explore the city’s fringes, or uncover the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.
In Hackney, a Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick walk heads along towpaths while taking in Hackney and Walthamstow marshes. All walks start and finish at rail, underground and bus stops, and range in distance from 1.5 to 21 miles. For info visit: www.walklondon.org.uk.
Ride, dance & win
Thousands of cyclists are gearing up for the London Freewheel event on 21 September.
Experienced cyclists can volunteer as marshals and stand a chance of winning one of 10 brand new Trek mountain bikes. And for the more artistic, Victoria Park will host bicycle ballet classes in advance of the big day.
London Freewheel is your chance to ride through car free streets while enjoying a carnival atmosphere. Last year’s event attracted 38,000 cyclists of all ages, who rode a 14km route that took in some of the capital’s most striking sights, as well as offering a fine excuse for a picnic.
Free taster bike ballet sessions to learn some simple routines take place on 14 September from 2-4pm near Victoria Park’s Gunmaker’s Lane entrance.
The bike ballet event during London Freewheel will see giant formations and moves inspired by the choreography of Busby Berkeley, synchronised swimming and the Red Barrows.
As interest in cycling continues to grow, TfL has revamped the cycling information pages on its website. The aim is to help cyclists share their knowledge and wisdom with anyone thinking of taking to two wheels. The site now offers a chance to pass on links to cycling blogs, websites, news and events, as well as photos.
More information
See the new TfL pages at: www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling. Register for London Freewheel at: www.london.gov.uk/freewheel.
Be a car-free winner
Drivers in Hackney are being offered incentives to give up their cars and opt for greener forms of transport.
People who pledge to stop using their car for good can win a star prize of free travel for a year with an annual Zone 1-2 Travelcard, membership of a car club for a year with £200 credit, and a £200 bike voucher.
The campaign is being launched by the Council, in partnership with its car club operator, Streetcar, as part of European Mobility Week – from 16 to 22 September. The pledge scheme is targeted at drivers who live, work or study in Hackney, in particular, those who have already considered doing without their vehicles.
Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Sustainable transport is a top priority for the Council because we know our residents are concerned about carbon emissions, congestion and parking.
“We want to support people in making greener travel choices and hope more motorists will give up their cars in favour of walking, cycling and using public transport.”
Staff from Hackney Council and Streetcar will be out and about promoting the pledge at various locations around the borough throughout European Mobility Week.
More information
Visit: the Give up Your Car page; or to request Hackney’s walking, cycling or public transport guides call Sharleen Hannon on: 020 8356 8040.
Helping vulnerbale people to get around
New vehicles are helping to ensure improved transport for Hackney service users.
The 14 new vehicles meet European emissions standards to reduce CO2 output, and use full air suspension to minimise wear and tear, while most parts can be recycled.
They are spacious, with a more aerodynamic design, while airspring suspension allows the vehicles to ‘kneel’ and lower the step height for passengers.
There are also wider seats, extra leg-room, more wheelchair space, and a larger tail-lift to accommodate wheelchairs. The vehicles are bristling with modern technology, which not only adds to the comfort of the journey, but also contributes to safety.
Page updated: 8 Oct 2008