Mayor Barry Edwards officially opened Café Velo at the Hugh Cubitt Centre. The centre lies on route seven of the upcoming Central London Grid: these ‘quietways’ are safer backstreets specially designated for cyclists in the wake of an increased drive to improve bike safety in the capital, and will extend for 60 miles through central London.
John Ackers, from the Islington Cycle Action Group, believes more needs to be done to make London genuinely safe for cyclists.
“Islington Council are dragging their heels over safer routes. Wherever a road is on a boundary with another borough, they take their time.
“Not many of us are happy with the interim measures that have been implemented,” said Mr Ackers.
This comes despite councillor Mouna Hamitouche’s assertions that many on the council are active participants in the safety campaign: “There are so many councillors who cycle. Emily Thornberry (Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury) cycles from here to Westminster.”
Judith Paris, a volunteer involved in the founding of the café, said the shop aimed at promoting safer cycling.
“Cycling is safe, and we want to show you how. Come by and have a cuppa and a chat while you get your bike serviced. We’re also trying to get people into cycling, so if you do come, bring a friend,” she said.
People who drop into the centre can have their bikes serviced for free by mechanics from Get More Bikes, an Islington-based social enterprise.
The mayor said: “It’s a great new resource. You can grab a slice of cake and a cup of tea while you have your bike checked.
“I’ll probably have to start cycling again once my term is over; I’ve been told I’ll have to get used to not always having a car outside to pick me up any more”.
These 2 paras (3 sentences) are out of context:
“Islington Council are dragging their heels over safer routes. Wherever a road is on a boundary with another borough, they take their time.
[Boundaries are tricky and Islington is probably no slower than other boroughs.]
“Not many of us are happy with the interim measures that have been implemented,” said Mr Ackers. [at_Kings_Cross specifically]