Two wheels good

Along with walking, cycling is about as sustainable as it gets when it comes to transport. That’s why we are keen to do everything we can to promote cycling within and into the district, as cycling across London becomes increasingly popular.

If more of us cycled to work it would cut rush hour congestion, and result in a healthier, fitter workforce. Nearly a quarter of all car trips are made by people going to and from work. Many of these are relatively short journeys of less than 5 miles that could easily be cycled.

NEW! The GoToMidtown Cycle Route Map
We’ve just launched a local area cycle route map so that you can safely enjoy Bloomsbury, Holborn and St Giles by cycle.  Please click the image below to download this new, free cycling resource.

Why cycling is good for business
Cycling is low cost in comparison with driving or using public transport – and equally it’s good for businesses too on many levels.

Businesses that care about their impacts and reducing them – and leading the way in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility – are generally the enlightened ones that also wish to support their employees in cycling safely, healthily and comfortably.   There is no doubt that cycling is good for business, offers great health benefits, reduces emissions and contributes to the UK economy.

The Business Cycle Scheme: tax free bikes for work
To promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution, the 1999 Finance Act introduced an annual tax exemption, which allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The exemption was one of a series of measures introduced under the government’s ‘Green transport plan’.  Click through to this page and you will find guidelines which clarify how organisations can take advantage of the exemption to implement a cycle to work scheme that encourages employees to cycle to work and allows employers to reap the benefits of a healthier workforce.
Also a useful resource, businesscycle focuses on why and how employers should promote cycling in the workplace. It provides advice on cycle safety and security – too often cited barriers to cycling – and highlights cycle safety tips, training, good locking practice and bike registration.  This is the government’s relaunch (in October 2012) of the Cycle to Work Scheme.

The site also includes guidance on pool bikes, cycle parking facilities and cycle to work schemes. Organisations who sign up will have access to fantastic offers for themselves and their employees, such as discounts on cycle parking, British Cycling membership and cycle security kits.

PleaseCycle: a new phone app to help you log your BikeMiles and get great rewards
If you start or end your regular cycle journey in the Borough of Camden, you qualify for BikeMiles.  PleaseCycle is a new initiative launched by Camden Council to help encourage more people to “get on their bike.  At PleaseCycle you can …

  • Register now to log your miles to earn BikeMiles
  • Download the free app for Android or iPhone
  • Spend your BikeMiles on great rewards
  • Track personal mileage / carbon / calories
  • Compete with friends on the Leaderboard

London Cycle Hire Scheme in Bloomsbury, Holborn and St Giles
The London Cycle Hire Scheme has given cycling in the capital a great boost. You can find a map and details of the scheme here.  So far the district has nine docking stations:

  • Old North Street
  • Southampton Place
  • Montague Street(British Museum)
  • Great Russell Street (Bloomsbury Street junction)
  • Earnshaw Street
  • High Holborn (Museum Street junction)
  • Kingsway (South of Kemble Street)
  • Theobald’s Road (by Bedford Row)
  • Holborn Circus

Cycle security
We have already implemented a project of installing plant-locks.  They’re a great way to add a little carbon-absorbing, bee-friendly greenery to the streetscape, at the same time as providing somewhere to park your bike while you go off to work or to the shops.

For further information about cycle security in London, read what the Metropolitan Police have to say, or check out this useful page from Transport for London.

Other specific cycling routes
Cycling also offers a great new potential to seeing many of London’s historical wonders from a whole new perspective. You might even be more inclined to bypass some of the more popular touristic attractions for some “off-the-beaten-track” British treasures, with easier access and fewer crowds.  For cycle friendly leisure routes across London click here to start your cultural journey.

The British Cycling Economy
The London School of Economics has produced an excellent, in depth report on the British Cycling Economy, which also includes this excellent infographic below.  Click the infographic to view the full report.

Quick cycling facts
You might also be interested in the following quick cycling facts.

  • 58% outer Londoners are considering cycling more in the coming year.
  • Cycling can replace many short car journeys (under 2 miles which is 50% of outer London car journeys).
  • 22,000 people share 5,000 share Barclay’s bikes daily in London.
  • Cycling accounts for £2.9 billion in total contribution to UK economy.

inmidtown will continue to update this page as part of our commitment to promoting cycling to, from and throughout Bloomsbury, Holborn and St Giles.  We welcome suggestions, comments and contributions!