If you hadn’t noticed already, it can be terrifying to cycle in London. From crazy taxi drivers to large double decker buses, there could be lots of things that put you off cycling in the capital.
But despite these challenges, thousands of individuals ride their bikes throughout the city. And we have some good news for those who want to start cycling more as there’s a particular part of London that has been named one of the best places for cyclists in the world.
With a total score of 83, Hackney is ranked 29th in the world according to The People for Bikes City Rating, an annual programme which assesses and compares cities and towns based on their bicycle infrastructure and overall bike friendliness.
- See also: The best cycling routes in London
Hackney received the majority of its points for providing safe bike access to large commercial shopping centres and to leisure facilities like parks and trails, earning it the title of second-best cycling destination in the UK, behind Cambridge.
A lot of work has gone into making Hackney a bike-friendly borough. By making roadways extra safer and easier for cyclists to navigate, its “cycle permeability program” aims to persuade people to ride their bikes rather than drive or take public transportation. According to Hackney Council, more people ride their bikes to work than in any other borough in London.
When looking at the wider image, London boroughs performed brilliantly in the People for Bikes City Rating with many landing in the top 10 in the UK.
Islington rode in third, followed by Newham in fourth, Waltham Forest in fifth, Southwark in sixth, and Westminster in seventh.
Since 2016, the capital's bike routes have more than doubled in number. There are currently approximately 400 km of cycling routes in the area, and more are planned, including this one on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Here are a few popular cycling routes if you ever find yourself in Hackney:
- Regent's Canal cycle path: This bike path provides a picturesque trail alongside the canal, past King's Cross and into the direction of Canary Wharf
- Haggerston to Victoria Park: A common route connecting to the Regent's Canal and Hertford Union Canal
- Epping Forest loop from Hackney Wick: A longer route, preferred by experienced cyclists
- Thames Path loop via Richmond Park & Kingston: An intermediate route for those seeking a longer ride
- Central London sightseeing loop: A great option for exploring central London on two wheels
- Finsbury and Hackney Wick Circular: A moderate-difficulty circular route
- Lee Valley VeloPark and Hackney Marshes: A good choice for families
