Transport News March 2010
Help at hand to pedal into spring
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As more and more people in Hackney take up cycling, help is at hand for teenagers who want to get on their bikes. A new cycling club for the borough’s young people has been launched on Nightingale Estate. Under 19s can learn everything cycle related from how to fix punctures and change tyres to skills to increase confidence on the road. There is even the chance to gain a certificate in cycle maintenance. The project is a partnership between Hackney Homes, InterlinkxCIC, Safer Neighbourhoods, The Learning Trust, Cycling Club Hackney and Nightingale Cycles. The club will be open every Wednesday from 4.30-6.30pm at Olympus Square, E5. |
More information
Call Kier Apperley at Nightingale Bike Club on: 020 8820 7000; or Sonia Bradley on: 020 8356 6128. For cycle info visit the Move by Bike page; or email: movegreener@hackney.gov.uk
22 March 2010
Don’t take a risk
Shoreditch clubbers and pubgoers are being urged to take advantage of a new marshalled taxi rank.
The campaign also hopes to draw more cab drivers to the rank, opposite Shoreditch Town Hall, and close to the 333 nightclub in Hoxton.
Posters will be displayed in ladies’ toilets in pubs and clubs, as well as out on the streets. Shoreditch bars are supporting the Council scheme, which is a continuation of December’s successful Hackney Say Relax initiative to help Christmas revellers get home safely. As well as offering free advertising space in their premises, participating venues are asking security staff to direct customers to the rank.
Hackney Hosts – girls and guys on Vespa scooters – will also be out on Friday and Saturday nights, pointing the way to the rank and handing out safety information.
Licensed taxi drivers will also be offered information, promotional air fresheners for their vehicles, and the chance to have a cup of tea and make use of the facilities at The Barley Mow pub in Curtain Road and The Old Blue Last in Eastern Street.
Steve Douglas, the Council’s Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, said:
“Shoreditch pubs as well as the police and the Council are working together to encourage more Hackney visitors to get home safely in a licensed cab.
“By picking up an unlicensed cab, people are walking into a car belonging to a total stranger. We urge people not to take the risk.”
More information
The marshalled taxi rank is open 10pm-3am, every Fri and Sat. To get the number of two licensed cab companies, wherever you are, text Cabwise to: 60835.
22 March 2010
Freedom Pass deadline
Older residents who haven’t yet renewed their Freedom Pass should make haste to avoid paying for travel.
All current passes expire on 31 March, although they can be used for up to two months afterwards. After this, people will be without a valid pass until their new one arrives, which should take about 10 days.
Freedom Passes are paid for by the Council, grant free public transport across London for the over 60s and disabled people.
The new pass combines both Oyster and ITSO smart card technology with a photograph of the owner, rather than having to use a separate photocard, as is currently the case.
Those needing to renew their pass can do so at their local Post Office. Alternatively call: 0845 275 7054, email: mobility@londoncouncils.gov.uk, or visit: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/freedompass/default.htm
22 March 2010
Sparks set to fly
A £17million fund has been pledged to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe.
The cash will pay for thousands of electric charge points with 25,000 set to be installed in the capital by 2015, meaning no Londoner will be more than a mile from a charging point.
Hackney is due to have its first publicly accessible electric vehicle charging point in Bentley Road, Dalston, in the next few months. There are plans to install more across the borough in 2010/11.
The funding consists of £9.3million from the Department for Transport, £5.6million from Transport for London (TfL), and £7.6million pledged from a range of public and private sector organisations.
The group will aim to deliver a network of around 7,500 charging points by 2013, with 1,600 charging points due to be installed over the next 12 months.
For info visit: www.london.gov.uk/electricvehicles
22 March 2010
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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