Canal cycling

The Regents Canal runs east-west across the borough of Hackney, with a connection to the Lee Navigation on the east side of the borough. Towpaths provide a pleasant route for leisurely cycling, though deference should always be shown to other users. Slow down and be prepared to dismount when necessary.

Unfortunately, the canal does see its share of trouble, with harrassment and even attacks not unheard of. You may wish to find an alternative route after dark if you are travelling on your own. Busy main streets are the safest bet for personal security.

For those who do use the canal after dark, we're pleased to say that with effect from 1st December 2003 the Islington section of the canal is no longer gated after dusk, as was already the case in Camden and Hackney. This allows cyclists to use it for their afternoon commute all year round, and reduces the fear of being trapped and unable to leave the canal.

Please follow the British Waterways code of conduct, in particular to give way to pedestrians. The canal is not a route for fast commuting.

Regents canal overview map | Inland Waterways Association London Region | BW walking through London page (includes zoomable map)

There's a single point of contact for reporting road surface problems you come across anywhere in London, including within Hackney, via Transport for London's Streetfaults form or by calling 0845 305 1234. The service allows you to track the progress of your reported fault.

Hackney Council continues to offer an alternative point of contact for reporting faults on Hackney borough streets. You can fill in the appropriate form or dial 020 8356 2897.

Statistics about the borough

Want to know about where you're living? The Hackney GIS and Statistics team is responsible for location-based knowledge and the analysis of information relating to the London Borough of Hackney.

If your bike is stolen, do report the theft at a police station or using theonline crime reporting service. Crime figures are an important measure for the police and can influence how they distribute their resources. Make a note of your CAD (Computer Aided Despatch) or CRIS (Crime Reference Information System) number, which will help you to trace the progress of your case.

Travelling by bike is a good choice for personal security as compared to going by foot and public transport. Unfortunately, though, attacks against cyclists do occur in inner-London boroughs such as Hackney, and these are usually carried out by teenagers in limited hotspots such as back streets. At peak times for this crime, typically warm evenings, it may be wise to travel in groups or to stick to busier streets.

If you are mugged for your bicycle or belongings, police recommend that you hand these over, to avoid the risk of injury. Victims should call 999 immediately, especially if there is a possibility of catching the culprits. Police have advised LCC members not to be concerned about calling 999 with a non-life threatening incident - they have internal prioritising procedures. Obviously if you are calling after the event then 999 is no longer appropriate and you should contact your local police station, either by phone or in person. The non-emergency phone number for contacting the Met police is 0300 123 1212.

Key links:

• Metropolitan Police: reporting crime

• Hackney police

The central LCC website has more advice on cycle security, on what to do if your bike is stolen, and how to reduce your risks in a robbery.

Bikes on trains and tubes

A to B magazine maintains the definitive guide to taking your bike on trains, the underground, ferries, coaches and rail-link buses. Always up to date.

Also consult Transport for London's page about cycles on public transport.

The LCC publishes a useful booklet (paper & digital) called Travelling by bike.

The North London Line is a very useful resource for cyclists living in our borough. Running through Hackney east-west, and it's a good way to break the back of journeys over to west London (although this previously unrestricted service now has a peak-hours bike ban (7-10am and 4-7pm Monday to Friday - folding bikes exempted, of course).

The East London Line (London Overground) has been newly extended into our borough as far as Dalston, and you can similarly take your bike on it off-peak. It's a handy way to speed your journey to south-east London.

Harwich to London (or vice versa)

Patrick Field offers route tips on cycling between Harwich and London.

Attempts have been made to start a bicycle recycling project for Hackney over the past few years, but unfortunately nothing has resulted. Over the River Lee in Waltham Forest there is a a popular bike recycling scheme which operates from Low Hall Transport Depot in South Access Road E17. This award-winning project refurbishes bikes and sells them to residents of Waltham Forest and people who work in the borough, and also has open-access sessions along the lines of a self-help maintenance workshop. See the project's page for details.

Lea Valley Cycle Circuit - AKA 'Eastway'

Eastway was a cycle sport centre of national importance right on our doorstep, with a superb mile-long road racing track and an offroad BMX/mountain bike circuit.

Sadly, the Eastway circuit was closed down in November 2006 by the Olympic Delivery Authority and has now been demolished to make way for the Olympic Park. A replacement circuit has been opened at Hog Hill in Redbridge, after an initial proposal to site it at far-off Rammey Marsh was rejected by the public. Following the Olympics the promise is that the 1500-seat velodrome and BMX track being built in the Olympic Park will be augmented by the reinstatement of a cycle circuit and mountain bike and cyclo-cross tracks. Roll on 2013.

If you notice that any of the information on this page is wrong or out of date, please be so kind as to email the editor.

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