www.islington.gov.

uk

Cycle Islington

On your bike
Imagine zipping through the daily grind to arrive at the office alert, on time and able to enjoy a bacon buttie with no fear of a potbelly. For the thousands of Islington residents who cycle to work every day, this is a happy reality. Cycling makes the borough greener, cleaner, and safer. And its serious fun. So weve put together this guide, with insights from local commuters, page 22 to 53, need to know tips for biking in Islington, page 2 to 6, and four of the best routes through the borough, page 8, 30, 42 and 54, to help you find the quickest way to work.

Why cycle

Forget the treadmill, cyclings actually fun

Strength A moderate half-hour each way

commute gets your blood pumping and will burn about 300 calories an hour, equal to a pint a day. Or a yearly loss of  kg of body fat, if youre keen to rediscover your abs. Cycling can protect against coronary heart disease, diabetes, strokes, osteoporosis and colon cancer. But if you have health problems, discuss cycling with your doctor first.

Speed Cyclings the fastest way to travel in Stress-busting Being active releases

In 1949, 34% of miles travelled using a mechanical mode were by bicycle. Today, that figure is down to just 1-2%. Even though most of us own bikes there are an estimated 27 million across the UK we just dont use them. Cost saving On a bike you save your tube or
bus fare, and if you are driving into the south of the borough you avoid the 8 a day congestion charge a whopping ,000 a year. You wont need to be paying that costly gym membership anymore either.

Central London and will guarantee you arrive on time. Plus Islington has the advantage of being a fairly small, flat borough with lots of cycle routes. endorphins that can elevate your mood, reduce stress levels and easily make the cycling rush a serious addiction. Not to mention therell be no more road rage or tube delays.

Carbon saving If you swap road transport for

a bike, youll help reduce the main source of air and noise pollution in London.

Getting a bike

Relive the thrill of your first set of wheels.

Pick your type Its possible to commute on

any type of bicycle. Ideally, youll need one thats reliable, robust and simple to maintain like a hybrid. But you can easily start out on an old bike and with the money you save on tube and bus fares youll soon have enough for a decent upgrade.

Mountain bike Originally designed for off-road

use, mountain bikes have since become the most popular model sold, and stolen, in the UK. Great for potholed urban streets, their good manoeuvrability, suspension and rugged looks make them popular with commuters. But their wider tyres take more effort to cycle.

Mountain

Street

Street bike If you are keen on the speed of

a road bike but want more robust wheels and tyres then take a look at a street bike. Theyre like road bikes with flat handlebars, so you get the speed of a road bike with the riding position of a mountain bike an ideal fast commuting bike.

Folding

Road

For more bike advice, stop by the Islington Cyclists Action Group. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month at the Town Hall from 7.30 pm. Road bike Light and nimble, if speed is your
thing then this is your bike. A road bikes tyres are narrow and slick for lower rolling resistance and are slightly larger than a mountain bikes so once youre up to speed you can really move. The downsides are they are more prone to punctures, and may not be as comfortable as a hybrid. But being fast and efficient, a road bike suits a longer commute on good roads.

Hybrid bike With its road sized wheels and

mountain bike-style frame, the hybrid, as its name suggests, gives you the best of both worlds. Part speed of a road bike mixed with part rugged durability of a mountain bike, and finished off with flat bars for a more comfortable cycling position. A good choice for commuting.

Shed bike The UK has one of the highest numbers

of bicycle owners in Europe, yet one of the lowest numbers of people cycling. Which means there must be a lot of old bicycles in garden sheds. If you have one, take it down to your local bike shop for a servicing and youre ready to go. A shiny new model is far more likely to get pinched.

Your basic shape Position is key to a com-

Folding bike A folding bike does exactly what

it says on the tin and folds neatly away in seconds to let you carry it with you on a bus, train or in your car. Perfect for nailing that commute from your local station, their smaller wheels add to their compactness and lightness. Best kept for relatively short urban distances.

fortable commute. A saddle thats too low will tire you out and put extra strain on your knees. A more upright position can ease back and neck strain. Make sure you can just about extend your leg on the down-stroke, and that your hips do not rock. Handlebars should be easy to reach drop bars make for a lower, faster riding position while flat bars give you a more upright position and better view of the traffic. A local bike shop can adjust your bike to match your size and give you more advice.

Looking after your bike

Do regular checks to stay fit for the road.

Brakes Check your brakes daily. Put the front brake on and push forward, and do the same for the back brakes. Your bike shouldnt move and the brake levers should not touch the handlebars. If they do, your brakes need adjusting. Check theres plenty of rubber left on the brake blocks.
 2 Gears Check if your gears change smoothly. If not, it could be a minor bike shop job. 6 3 Chain Remember to regularly oil your chain its one of the kindest things you can do for your bike. 4 Pedals Grab both pedals and rock at right angles to the bike. If theres a lot of movement, your bottom bracket is too loose. 5 Wheels If the wheel wobbles from side to side as it passes through the brake blocks, its a buckled wheel and needs truing at a bike shop.

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Get your own cycle in gear Brush up on your maintenance skills for free at the councils cycle training sessions. Go to www.islington.gov.uk/cycling for more information.
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Tyres Always check your tyres are well inflated. If you dont have a gauge, borrow a pump and get a feel for the appropriate pressure. Punctures can be caused by a number of things including low tyre pressure.
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Spokes Check for loose or missing spokes.

Protecting your bike

Lock it up Dont skimp on security. Choose

If you love your bike, chances are someone else will too.

a lock that matches the quality of your bike 20% of the cost of your bike as a guide. A bike you love deserves a top range hardened D lock or high quality padlock and chain. Look for the sold secure mark, which categorises locks into bronze, silver and gold ratings.

Leave it secure Always lock your bike to an

immovable, unbreakable object in a busy, well-lit place. Dont just lock the frame, but all removable parts such as the wheels and seat try cable extension locks that will go around the wheel, frame and immovable objects.

Register it Only 5% of stolen bicycles are

recovered and returned to the owners by the police. Its worthwhile security to mark your bike and register it at www.immobilise.com. To find your frame number, turn your bike upside down and look for a code on the bottom bracket (the bit of frame between the pedals).

Report it Always report a bike theft to the

police. You might get it back, and crime figures help the police commit their resources.

Safe spots Check out the first secure lock up of its kind in London 125 automated cycle racks on Blackstock Road opposite Finsbury Park.


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Cycle safe

Cram up on road safety before you take to the streets.

Train up A cycle training refresher course ensures

you are roadworthy and can get to work as fast and safely as possible. For free cycle training from the council, go to www.islington.gov.uk/cycling or call 020 52 2242.

Know your code The Highway Code applies

to cyclists as well as motorists. Refresh your memory at www.highwaycode.gov.uk

Keep your bike road fit Check that your

brakes are working and that your tyres are pumped up before leaving the house.

See and be seen Always position yourself to

be seen by other road users, especially at junctions or roundabouts where around 0% of collisions take place. Wear bright, fluorescent or reflective clothing and use good lights flashing are more visible than static.

Use your bell Pedestrians stepping onto the

road cant hear you ring your bell to warn them youre around.

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Cycling to work
Practicalities for the ride

Pavement cycling Tempting as it can be, if you ride on the pavement you risk a 30 fine or knocking over a pedestrian. Dont do it. Avoid the gutter Keep a metre space between
you and parked cars or the kerb. Doors opening into cyclists are a major cause of cycling accidents.

What to wear If youre going to wear the

clothes you cycled to work in, resist the urge to race. You wouldnt run to work in your suit, so take it easy in the morning and save the fitness workout for the way home.

Essential Kit Once youve got your bike, all

you need are good lights and high quality locks. But a snug fitting helmet, weatherproof, visible outer clothing and a pannier for carrying your heavier work stuff are a good idea in the long run.

Potholes If you find a hazard like a pothole

How your company can help Ask your

on a main road in Islington (like Upper Street or Camden Road), report it to TFL Customer Services and Street Faults on 0845 305 245 or email enquiries@streetmanagement.org.uk For issues on other Islington roads, call 020 52 2000 or email contact@islington.gov.uk

boss for some help in making your commute easier with the governments cycle scheme. Your company could help save you money on the cost of a bike, give you cycle mileage and even put in showers at work. Go to www.cyclescheme.co.uk to find out more.

The weather excuse Bad weather is often cited as an excuse not to cycle. But in London it only rains heavily for on average 12 days a year. Honestly.

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Cyclescheme what do you think?

I cycle to work every day from Tulse Hill, just south of Brixton, to the Whittington Hospital at Archway. It was the hospital and councils 50% Cycle Club scheme that first got me cycling plus realising that a 20 mile round trip each day was possible. After the trial period, I bought my bike through the hospitals Cycle to Work scheme and saved money through tax relief. Cycling to work has helped keep me fit, is much more enjoyable and satisfying than going to the gym, and saves me at least half an hour each day compared to taking the train and tube to work. Tim Jaggard, cycle commuter

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Commuter routes
Quickest way to the office, please On the following pages youll find four main commuter cycle routes through Islington: p18 p30 p42 p54 Goodbye gridlock Canonbury to Clerkenwell For the fast not furious Finsbury Park to Kings Cross Down by the canal Hackney to Camden Whistling to work Camden Road to Old Street One, or part of one, may fit with your particular commute. See p64 for more information on free travel maps.

key to graphs
time distance times to cross a football pitch

5 = 5 minutes
110m calories burned 1 pint of bitter = 170 calories

75m

carbon emissions saved average car 163g CO2/km bus per passenger 60g CO2/km

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Goodbye gridlock
Canonbury to Clerkenwell

Route One of the most popular commuter

routes through Islington, theres safety in the sheer number of other cyclists. It travels through Angel into Central London along Colebrooke Row.

overview
Archway Finsbury Park

Traffic Watch out for traffic and pedestrians

crossing at Colebrooke Row, as the junction with City Road is very busy. TFL is planning improvements for this junction.
Caledonian Road

Holloway Road

Highbury & Islington Kings Cross

Tip Its really easy to get to Kings Cross,

Farringdon and Holborn from Margery Street. Lizzy, Canonbury commuter

Angel

Farringdon

time

distance

calories burned

carbon emissions saved

11 204g 555g

3.4 km / 2.1 miles

142 kcal

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Jon Snow

Newsreader

Renowned newsreader for Channel 4 News, Islington resident and now president of CTC*, Jon Snow commutes to work by bike. His biographies often mention his cycling as much as his awarded career.

Why did you start cycling? I was seven,

my father thought I should.

What is your favourite route through Islington? Highbury Fields to Rosebery Avenue. What is the best advice you would give a new cyclist? Go very carefully on city
streets, dont trust the painted bike lanes, assume the car has not seen you and even if it has might not mind killing you.

What safety tips would you give a new cyclist? Carry more locks than you think
you need, carry more lights and more fluorescent than you would want to be seen dead in.

What are you planning to do with your newfound power as president of CTC*? To politicise and raise the profile

of the urban cyclist and their needs, and to put the bike at the centre of any eventual integrated transport scheme.

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*The UKs national cyclists organisation

James Smith

BMX Rider

A professional flatland rider from South West London James is able to travel all over the world, riding full time due to his sponsorships from Wethepeople Bike co, Carhartt, Lotek and www.style43.com

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Why did you start cycling? Looking back

to when I was a kid, I always enjoyed riding bikes and over the years I guess I got addicted.

How did you get into BMX riding? Riding

with friends, reading BMX magazines, getting a BMX of my own and trying to do tricks.

What tips would you give to a BMX novice? If its something you want to get good at,
it takes a lot of passion and time and persistence.

What is your best trick? I ride mainly flatland, How many bikes do you have and which is your favourite? It seems its always the one
Im riding at the time I find perfect.

but last year I took some time to ride park and I learnt to do back flips.

What has been your worst injury? I break

bones in my hands and feet every now and then, but I usually ride regardless.

Do you know of any good BMX riding places in London? South Bank Im usually
there most weekends or late at night with friends riding till the early hours.

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For the fast not furious

Finsbury Park to Kings Cross

Route A fast way to cross the borough using

all main roads. From Finsbury Park via Arsenals new stadium to Liverpool Road, into York Way and then down to Kings Cross. Down Thornhill Road you can enjoy the new cyclist-friendly speed humps.

overview
Archway

Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park

Arsenal
Holloway Road Caledonian Road

Traffic Watch out for industrial traffic around Tip If you want to get back in touch with

York Way. Luckily the roads are big and therefore give cyclists more room.
Kings Cross

nature, take Parkland Walk from Finsbury Park north towards Highgate. Not all parks are open to cycling if you see a blue sign with a bicycle in it, its ok to ride. Ben, Finsbury Park commuter

Farringdon

time

distance

calories burned

carbon emissions saved

16 216 kcal 312g

847g 5.2 km / 3.2 miles

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Will Stevens
www.tallbiketourbritain.com

Tall bike rider

A resident of Highbury, one time bicycle courier in Montreal and currently an art student, Will rode his tall bike around the coastline of Britain for charity.

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Why did you get into tall bike riding? How far have you ever ridden it? My

I first came across tall bikes in New York when I raced at the bicycle messenger world championships in 2005. brother and I spent five months riding 5,821 miles around the coastline of Great Britain. Its the furthest tall bikes have ever been ridden.

How do you get on and off your tall bike? With a lot of practice! Its a running
start. A bit like getting on a moving horse.

What do you enjoy most about riding your tall bike? The view. Where do you ride it? Anywhere. On
the trip, we rode over mudflats, sandy beaches, crowded town centres, forest tracks, and mountain passes even motorways!

Have you met anyone with a taller bike than yours? Never met, but I believe
there are triple-decker bikes about.

Why do you think cycling should be encouraged in London? Because it sounds

as if the world doesnt have too much longer before major environmental changes start taking place, largely as a result of petrol engines. Cycling is a way to make a difference, however small.

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Rainy Dias

Cycle commuter

Originally from France, Rainy has lived in Angel since 2005. She works in PR and her bike is called Wheelie.

What do you enjoy most about cycling?

Its a tough call between the freedom it affords, the carbon zero-ness and the camaraderie felt with fellow bikers.

What trips do you make regularly by bicycle? Angel to Marble Arch. Marble Arch
to Putney. Putney to Angel.

What is your favourite route through Islington? The towpath to Victoria Park is lovely
though crowded and its a miracle I havent ended up in the canal yet.

What kind of bicycle do you ride and why? Second hand mountain bike because it
feels comfortable.

What safety tips would you give a new cyclist? Wear masses of reflective

gear and make sure you are as visible as possible. Check around you regularly. Watch out for errant pedestrians.

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Down by the canal

Hackney to Camden

Route Ideal for a more leisurely cruise to work,

the route follows the canal and then navigates the streets of Angel a handy place to stop for that morning croissant if you have time.

overview
Archway Finsbury Park

Traffic Be careful of pedestrians along the canal.

Check out the British Waterways Code for all canal users at www.britishwaterways.co.uk. Also look out for the buses coming down Upper Street.
Holloway Road Caledonian Road

Highbury & Islington

Tip Shepherdess Walk is a good place to leave

the canal and head down into the City. If youre late for work, take the road the canal can be a bit slow. Paul, Hackney commuter

Kings Cross Angel Old Street

Farringdon

time

distance

calories burned

carbon emissions saved

15 5.1 km / 3.1 miles 212 kcal

831g 306g

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Jason Olding

Chopper rider and restorer

www.raleigh-chopper-workshop.co.uk

Jason restores old classic Raleigh Chopper and Grifter cycles to make them available for everyone aged 9 to 90 to enjoy.

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Why did you buy your first Chopper?

To relive my youth, I could never afford one as a child so had to settle for a Grifter, another cool bike.

Where do you get your spare parts?

Lovingly, lots of time and polish.

My garage, and I get parts from all over the world.

How do you maintain your Chopper? How do you stop someone stealing your Chopper? Never leave it unattended
for even a moment. 240 volts helps too.
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Dominic Mandrell
Cycle commuter Dominic has worked as a graphic designer in Islington for nearly 15 years. He started cycling regularly to work two years ago and has caught the bike bug.

Why did you start cycling? The axing of the

route master and the introduction of the bendy bus. The freedom and control. I can now estimate accurately when I will arrive somewhere, so Im rarely, if ever, late.

What do you enjoy most about cycling? What trips do you make regularly by bicycle? To work and back Stamford Hill to

Islington although Im now such a cycling enthusiast my bike is really an extension of my legs and I pretty much take it everywhere.

What is your favourite route through Islington? Clissold Park and down into the leafy
back streets of Canonbury. Its very picturesque, especially when the sun is out.

What safety tips would you give a new cyclist? Dont overtake bendy buses!

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Whistling to work
Camden Road to Old Street

Route A direct route from west to south Islington

through the heart of the borough. Combines busy roads and quieter streets around Canonbury. Passes close to Freightliners City Farm in Paradise Park a good stop for fresh eggs for your Full English.

overview
Archway

Finsbury Park

Traffic When you get to City Road going

Holloway Road Caledonian Road

southbound, youll have to get off and walk for 20 metres down Bath Street or follow the cycle route around via Mora Street.

Caledonian Road Highbury

& Islington

Highbury& Islington

Tip This route crosses the canal at Packington

Square so its a good way to commute further into East London if you need to. There are improvements taking place along this stretch of canal so check before you ride. Steve, Camden commuter

Angel

Old Street
Farringdon

time

distance

calories burned

carbon emissions saved

18 6 km / 3.7 miles 250 kcal

978g 360g

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HOLLOWAY HOLLOWAY ROAD ROAD

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DRAYTON PARK

DRAYTON PARK

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CALEDONIAN CALEDONIAN ROAD ROAD

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57SEX
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59

BU

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REE S TO L D T S T R E E T

City Road Basin

OLD STREET

OLD STREET

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S TO LD T S T R EE T R EE

Bike shops in Islington

Great bicycles, repairs and advice in your borough

Bobbin Bicycles
Mail Order Company, T 020 7253 1058 www.bobbinbicycles.com What kind of bicycles do you sell? We sell Dutch old-style bikes new bikes with jaunty vintage styling. Why are they good for riding in Islington? Bobbins are great for coasting along. Our front dynamo headlights are eco-friendly: the faster you peddle the brighter your light! What specialty services does Bobbin Bicycles offer? If you live or work in Islington, we can drop your new bike round and give you riding and route tips.

Finsbury Cycles
185 Seven Sisters Road, T 020 7263 0007 What specialty service do you offer? Every Wednesday between 6 pm and 7pm we offer security stamping of bicycles.

Holloway Cycles
302 Holloway Road, T 020 7700 6222 What are your top selling commuting bikes? Hybrids the most popular bikes in London. Sian Emmison and Tom Morris, Bobbin Bicycles

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Paul Lonsale, Cycle Surgery

Gill Ord, Mosquito Bikes

Cycle Surgery
70 Holloway Road, T 020 7697 2848 What is your top selling bike? Hybrid bikes. What is the most common repair problem? Worn out chain intercept or buckled wheels. How is Cycle Surgery different? The service is better! We do what we can to make sure the customer leaves with a positive feeling about cycling.

Mosquito Bikes
123 Essex Road, T 020 7226 8765 What is your top selling bike? Marin Larkspur on the budget. What is the best bicycle in the shop? Scott SUB 10, SOMA imported from San Francisco and built in the shop. A single speed, light and simple-looking courier bike. How is Mosquito Bikes different? Its run by three cyclists and committed to high quality service. Weve been there for 20 years.

S&S Cycles
29 Chapel Market, T 020 7278 1631 What are your best bikes for commuters? Urban range or Giant Expression.
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For more information

If youd like to know more about cycling in Islington or elsewhere in the UK here are some useful references and links.

Cycling in Islington
www.islington.gov.uk/cycling www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=733

Cycling in London
Routes in London and to order cycling maps www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles

Cycling in the UK
www.sustrans.org.uk www.ctc.org.uk

More about sustainable transport

www.islington.gov.uk/greentravel

About this guide

This guide has been designed by The Big Green. The photography is by Stephen Morgan, illustrations by Peter Grundy and words by Anna Toosey. It was printed by Calverts, a certified FSC printer. The cover and first section is printed on 100% recycled paper, the white paper section on FSC certified paper.

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