Didn't have a clue who to vote for this election , so I wrote to each of the 3 main local candidates and said I'm going to base my vote on the following 3 questions- which party will do the most to cut down bicycle crime, promote cycling and make the roads safer for cyclists.
The results, in the order in which they replied, are:
Keith Angus (LibDem) came back with a whole cycling manifesto, most of which deals with local issues in a fine and practical manner. Will post up if people are interested.
Darren Caplan (Con) said:
"Dear Matthew
Thank you for writing.
I am happy to liaise with you on this. However, as a rule I only respond to emails where I have address / telephone number contact details - I would be grateful if you could supply. Trust you understand.
I look forward to touching base with you in due course.
Kind regards
Darren"
Diane Abbott (Lab) finally(!) got back to me with this:
"Dear Matthew,
Thanks for your email regarding cycling.
Cycling is a cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around the city and is becoming more and more popular everyday. I myself do not drive and so use public transport myself to get around Hackney and to Westminster. I therefore know some of the frustrations that both pedestrians and cyclists experience.
I do want to see roads made safer for cyclists. I have read about too many deaths due to collisions with heavy goods vehicles. I signed a motion in Parliament calling for the restriction of such huge lorries driving through the City during rush hour periods. I also support the promotion of cycling. Hackney is quite a cycle friendly borough already but improvements could be made. Hackney Council's targets are to achieve an 80% increase in cycling levels by 2010 and a 200% increase by 2020 compared to cycling levels in 2000.
As for bicycle crime, the overall crime rate in Hackney indicates that cycle theft is an area which needs focus. In London, the Metropolitan Police crime data indicates that 33% of stolen bicycles are left unlocked and unattended on the street. In response to this, the local Labour council has developed a cycle plan which includes providing secure cycle parking in Hackney located in the correct position to maximise natural and passive surveillance to prevent bikes being stolen in the first place.
I hope this answers your questions, and thank you again for contacting me.
Yours sincerely
Diane Abbott"
