Published: 10 August, 2012

• IN June, Islington Liberal Democrats called on the council to push for the London cycle hire scheme to be extended across the borough.

The Transport for London scheme was launched two years ago and more than 11 million bikes have been hired since its introduction.

It has been especially well-used during the Olympic Games.

But it is only possible to hire and return bikes in the very south of Islington. Meanwhile, the cycle hire scheme is being expanded to east, west and south-west London.

Islington Liberal Democrats believe more should be done to help residents who want to cycle.

Cycling can improve health, reduce congestion and improve air quality.

It doesn’t seem fair that Islington is an inner-London borough but we are so poorly served by the cycle hire scheme.

Other boroughs are doing far more to get the scheme in their boroughs.

But Islington is at risk of being left behind.

It would be a fitting Olympic legacy if Islington Council and Transport for London could announce this year the expansion of the scheme across the borough.

The council could use some of its funding to help pay towards bikes and docking stations.  

If you would like to support our campaign to expand the cycle hire scheme across Islington you can sign our petition at www.change.
org/petitions/transport-for-london-and-islington-council-roll-out-the-london-cycle-hire-scheme-to-the-whole-of-islington.

CLLR GREG FOXSMITH
Islington Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson