cyclingcultures.org.uk

I collated the survey answers, and thought I’d put up a quick post about the most common responses. This was a small, informal survey among people stopping at the London Fields Bike Breakfast last Wednesday, so please don’t read too much into it. Most people stopping at the Breakfast were morning commuters on their way into town from Central and Eastern parts of the borough (lots of E5, E8, E9 postcodes).

The postcards contain space for respondents to write two things they like, and two things they don’t like, about cycling in Hackney. Over 160 postcards were completed at the Breakfast – thanks to everyone who contributed.

Among “likes”, unsurprisingly, parks scored highly with over a third of respondents (59 people) mentioning parks or green space, with London Fields, Victoria Park, and Hackney Marshes mentioned by name. More than one in five respondents (36 people) mentioned the large number of other cyclists as a plus point, and similar numbers said that they liked cycling in Hackney as it is a quick way to get around. Around 25 respondents cited either “routes” more generally, waterways, or the existence of a cycling community or culture.

Among “dislikes”, over a quarter (47 people) mentioned issues relating to driver behaviour, including aggressive driving, driving too fast, and parking in cycle lanes. More than one in five mentioned motor traffic more generally (including cars) as a problem. 22 people complained about a lack of bike parking and 24 people mentioned theft as a problem (often the two were linked).

As a personal afterthought: the typed up list of “likes” read rather like shorthand for one of my more enjoyable journeys in Hackney; sociable, through parks and quiet streets, enjoying the scenery and the way in which well connected routes allow quick travel with little effort. The “dislikes” reminded me of the worst; dodging cars parked in cycle lanes, getting held up and blocked off by motor traffic, and having my bike stolen at the end!

Last night James and I went on the annual Tower Hamlets Wheelers Glamour Ride. (OK, it’s not Hackney, but it’s next door, and there was a small Hackney posse). There were around 50 riders with diverse interpretations of glamour including ballgowns and smart evening dress, sailor and Supermen costumes, and the Easy Rider look. This was the first time I had been on this ride despite it being local to me and it was very enjoyable. The route took us down the Regent’s Canal to the motor traffic free Shadwell/Wapping waterfront, then along East Smithfield towards Central London and the South Bank as the sun started to set. We had a mix of easy listening music to help us on our way and the promise of drinks and canapes at the end!

(Clockwise from top left: Helen; Terry and Richard; Cecilia; the crowd on the waterfront; Kerry, Cheryl, Che, and Owen).

Pedestrians generally reacted with smiles and waves, and we gained an escort of five young people on BMX bikes who accompanied us for much of the way doing tricks as they went. The reaction of drivers to our colourful group was more mixed – a few hooted and waved in a friendly manner, while others tried to push us out of the way.

Last night I helped out with the Islington Cyclists Action Group / Hackney Cyclists Cooldown Commute, at the corner of Southgate and Northchurch Roads (at the border between Hackney and Islington). Again passing cyclists seemed very appreciative of the food and drink on offer, and a chatty crowd formed around the junction. Maybe cycling groups might consider setting up a gazebo offering free cocoa and biscuits for cyclists coming home in February!

I also finished typing up the survey cards from Wednesday’s bike breakfast. Am still working on a little write-up but it is interesting to note that as far as I can tell there was a pretty even gender split, slightly more women than men. In total people mentioned 323 “likes” and 283 “dislikes” about cycling in Hackney.

…thanks to Oliver for supplying today’s pun! Many thanks also to Jasmina and Paul whose help was invaluable today.

Hackney Cyclists kindly allowed us to take part in their Bike Week Breakfast this morning, in London Fields Park. London Fields is on both a North-South and an East-West cycle route through the borough, and the weather was beautiful. Many people stopped for the free croissants, fruit, tea and coffee.
We asked people stopping at the Breakfast to fill in a Hackney version of the little postcard survey we used in Hull. Over 160 people completed the postcards, and once I have analysed the responses I will be posting again.