App helps Hackney Council address cyclist issues

Hackney Council have been using data collected from their free cycle app to learn more about cyclist trends, habits and needs in the borough.

Since the app launched earlier in the year, almost 2,000 journeys have been recorded.

Cyclists can use their phones to track routes and report problems, taking pictures on their phone and sending them directly to the council with a ‘report it’ function.

The council uses this data to help build improved bike routes, better contra-flow systems, repair potholes and tackle cycle parking issues.

Users of the app can also can also keep track of how many miles they have cycled and claim business mileage for work related trips.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “The ultimate aim of this app is to collect enough data to continue to make cycling in Hackney as easy and as simple as possible.

“But we’re also accumulating really interesting data about who is cycling in our borough and why.

“In the immediate-term, it also helps fix problems now - one user reported a pothole on Chatsworth Road, which is repaired, while 70 more reports have been added to our works programme.”

She added: “Although the app was designed for cyclists, it’s helping to improve the roads for everyone in the borough.”