London Borough of Hackney sees cycling overtake driving
February 4th, 2013
2011 census figures have shown that in the London borough of Hackney, cycling to work has overtaken driving to work for the first time in decades, something that is expected to be seen in more areas over the coming years.
Figures showed more than 15 per cent of Hackney residents cycling to work, with just 12 per cent travelling by car – and this was before the cycling boom took place in 2012. The picture isn’t the same everywhere with other boroughs such as Westminster still lagging a long way behind with only 5 per cent of people choosing to cycle to work.
2011 census figures have shown that in the London borough of Hackney, cycling to work has overtaken driving to work for the first time in decades, something that is expected to be seen in more areas over the coming years.
Figures showed more than 15 per cent of Hackney residents cycling to work, with just 12 per cent travelling by car – and this was before the cycling boom took place in 2012. The picture isn’t the same everywhere with other boroughs such as Westminster still lagging a long way behind with only 5 per cent of people choosing to cycle to work.
Danny Williams of the Cyclists in the City blog wrote in the Evening Standard that this is not just due to the surge in popularity of cycling. He writes: “Hackney has restricted the amount of new car parking available in new residential developments and made it easier and safer for people to chose not to drive.
“Importantly, Hackneyʼs policies have focused on making sure that every scheme – whether itʼs a new building or an upgrade of an existing road – improves the public realm and sense of place.
“That means some residential streets that had become rat runs for long-distance car commuters are closed to through motor-traffic and the streets become places for the people who live and work there instead.”
In Westminster on the other hand the borough has not invested in the same way and has not supported cycling as a mode of transport to the same extent.
Safety is, however, still a real issue for cyclists in Hackney. In 2010, over 100 cyclists were involved in hit-and-run accidents in the Borough which was a significant increase on previous years.
If you have been involved in a cycling accident you may be entitled to claim cycling accident compensation. Talk to our team today on 01625 506655.