Tower Hamlets Walking and Cycling Index

The new data in this report shows huge public support in Tower Hamlets for more walking, wheeling and cycling.

Every year, walking and cycling in Tower Hamlets results in:

459

serious long-term health conditions prevented

£187.4 million

in economic benefit for individuals and the region

10,000 tonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions saved

Icon of navy car.

Up to 58,000

cars taken off the road every day

Ferdous Ahmed

I walk a lot in Tower Hamlets. I love getting around on foot. In the car there’s a lot of pollution and you’re sitting in traffic.

Walking is fantastic for your health and your physical and emotional wellbeing. About two years ago I had a problem with my feet. The doctor said I might need to start taking steroids and that I shouldn’t walk too much. I was sad at this because I love walking.

Then the lockdown happened and I started walking – one hour, two hours – not to be stuck at home all the time. The pain has gone. I no longer need to go to the doctor or go to a physio.

In lockdown, a lot of ladies I know were saying that they were just moving between the kitchen, bedroom and living room. A lot of people don’t have gardens. So going on a walk was a break for them. It’s their ‘me time’.

We’re so lucky to have lots of parks and I generally feel safe in Tower Hamlets.

  

66% of Tower Hamlets residents walk or wheel at least five days a week, compared with just 13% who use a car.

Many people want to see more government spending on walking and wheeling (61%).

When asked what would help them walk or wheel more, 81% said nicer places on streets to stop and rest, 64% said fewer cars parked on pavements and 74% said wider pavements.

Nearly two thirds of residents in Tower Hamlets (62%) support the creation of more low traffic neighbourhoods and 77% support the creation of more 20-minute neighbourhoods.

Front cover of the Tower Hamlets Walking and Cycling Index

Download the Tower Hamlets Walking and Cycling Index

See Tower Hamlets' vision for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Download the report.

This report is also available in a text-only format.

  

Tower Hamlets through the years

This is the second time we've assessed cycling in Tower Hamlets. Download the previous report:

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