Transport minister Paul Maynard described Hackney Council’s ‘Ride Side by Side’ service as a ‘great innovation’ on a visit to the borough on 31 October.
Launched in April 2017, the cycle taxi service aims to help older people and those with mobility issues make short trips by bike for free.
The service is run by Cycle Training UK with funding from Hackney Council, TfL and the DfT. Described as ‘unique’, the cycle taxi service is designed to help residents who use ‘Dial-a-Ride’ to attend appointments, go shopping and visit friends.
The four wheeled taxi bikes are custom-made and allow the ‘trainer’ and passenger to sit side-by-side. Passengers can choose whether they want to join in and pedal, or sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Ride Side by Side service can be booked online or by phone and is available for journeys of up to two miles, or 30 minutes, from where they live.
Paul Maynard said:
“The Ride Side by Side project shows what can be done to help those with limited mobility travel to the shops or clinics for appointments. It is a great innovation and will make life easier for many people.”
The transport minister used the visit to Hackney to urge people to have their say on the Government’s ‘Accessibility Action Plan’, which remains out for consultation until 15 November.
Measures in the plan to improve transport for people with disabilities include ensuring better use of blue badges and conducting trials in autonomous vehicles.
02 November 2017