Cycling
Cycling is a healthy, low cost and environmentally friendly way to travel. It will keep you fit and it’s also fun.
Many people in Hackney cycle, and the borough has the highest number of people cycling to work in London and the second highest number in England (after Cambridge) by total numbers. Join them and find out why.
Cycle routes in Hackney
We have a long history of providing special provisions for cyclists by:
- improving junctions
- adding contraflow routes
- closing roads to general traffic
The different routes that serve Hackney have been developed over the years to promote cycling and respond to cyclists’ needs. This includes some individual routes such as the Wetlands to Wetlands route and the Olympic Park Greenway routes.
In 2019, TfL published its New Cycle Route Quality Criteria as an update to the London Cycling Design Standards. It set the standard for a high level of service for cycle routes across London.
We are creating low-traffic roads throughout Hackney and improving main cycle routes with TfL. This is to deliver consistent and high-quality cycleways.
If you are cycling in Hackney, you can expect to see:
- signed routes for London’s “C” network that connect you to other parts of London
- a local network that links to destinations in Hackney and to London’s transport system
The map below shows the cycle routes in Hackney:
Report an abandoned bike
Report an abandoned bike in Hackney, by visiting report a problem.
Bike sharing schemes
Santander operate a bike hire scheme in Hackney. The bikes are docked and can only be returned to docking stations in the south of the borough.
Lime are now also operating a bike hire scheme in Hackney which covers a larger part of the borough. You can hire their bikes from a network of corral cycle parking racks.
A cargo bike hire scheme has also recently launched in the borough.
Visit bike sharing to find out more.
Cycle training
We provide 2 hours’ free cycle training to everyone who lives, works or studies in the borough.
Visit cycle training to find out more about cycle training offers in the borough.
Bike Around the Borough
Every year hundreds of Hackney school children take to the roads for a mass ride around the borough, organised by the Council to provide a chance for students to practice the skills they’ve learned through national standards cycle training and to help them see how easy it is to travel around Hackney by bike.
In 2016, we broke the world record for the total number of people in a ‘bike bus’, in which participants ride together along a set route, picking up people as they go.
London Walking and Cycling Conference
The London Walking and Cycling Conference is the capital’s seminal annual event on policies, issues, and initiatives that are relevant to sustainable transportation in London and beyond.
The conference is run in partnership with Hackney Council, the City of London Corporation and Steerr.
Visit London Walking and Cycling Conference to find out more.
Goldsmiths Row cycle counter
Our counter on Goldsmiths Row is the first digital display cycle counter in the UK. It shows the number of cyclists using the route every day and the total for the year so far.
We use the data from this and four other counters to analyse the growth in cycling in the borough and plan future improvements to cycling infrastructure.
The live feeds below are automatically updated at midnight.
Number of cyclists yesterday:
Total cyclists since 6 August 2013:
The counter is provided by Traffic Technology Ltd.
On-street cycle parking
Our on-street cycle programme installs high quality cycle stands on the carriageway and footway. This is so people living, working and travelling across Hackney can reach more destinations by bike.
To find out more, view a map of locations or request cycle parking, visit On-street cycle parking.
Public bike pumps
Public bike pumps have been installed at three sites to help cyclists who need to top up their air while on the move. The heavy-duty pumps are free to use and feature a QR code which can be scanned to download a map of other pumps in 15 locations around London. View a map of pump locations in London below.
Free pumps in Hackney:
- 281 Mare Street, E8 1PJ
- Lock 7 Cycle Cafe, Pritchard’s Road, E2
- Clissold Leisure Centre, Clissold Road, N16
View Public Bike Pumps in a larger map
Cycleway 1
Cycleway 1 runs between White Hart Lane in Tottenham and Liverpool Street Station.
After reviewing Cycleway 1 and taking into account feedback from residents, we are planning a number of actions to reduce traffic and improve the Cycleway 1 route in Hackney.
- Update on Cycleway 1 works
- Cycleway 1 map – Liverpool Street to Stoke Newington
- Cycleway 1 map – Stoke Newington to White Hart Lane
Cycle Permeability Programme
The Cycle Permeability Programme aims to create safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable streets for cycling and walking. The programme makes cycling routes more direct and connected, encouraging residents to choose cycling over private vehicles. This initiative aligns with our strategic objectives for clean, safe, vibrant, and sustainable places.
Green Lanes cycle lanes
In 2020, we implemented trial protected cycle lanes on Green Lanes, using temporary measures such as wands to separate the cycle line. 60% of comments received by residents about the cycle lanes said that we should make them permanent. 38% of comments said we should not make them permanent.
After considering residents’ feedback, we have made these trial cycle lanes permanent. We’ll engage with residents on implementing more permanent pedestrian and cycle improvements to replace the temporary measures.
Cycle loan scheme
We’re no longer running this scheme. Watch this space – we’ll let you know if it’s going to be relaunched.
Wear a helmet when cycling
It’s not a UK requirement to wear a helmet when cycling. If you choose to wear one ensure it will keep you safe.