How local people are benefitting from greener, healthier streets

It’s recognition for the huge progress that’s been made towards creating a greener, healthier borough in recent years – including creating seven low-traffic neighbourhoods, 37 School Streets, more accessible pavements, new walking and cycling routes, and working directly with local people to create more green spaces on streets.  

Here in Islington, we believe our streets belong to everyone, irrespective of background or age. So, we’ve spoken to people across the borough to understand more about how Islington’s move towards greener, healthier streets has affected them: 

The power of pedaling  

Here in Islington, the borough’s streets belong to everyone. Back in 2004, resident Jo Roach saw the need for a cycling group dedicated to people with disabilities, after her daughter Suzie, a keen cyclist who has a learning disability, moved into supported living and lost the opportunity to cycle.  

So Jo, who has a background as an instructor, set up the Pedal Power cycling group for disabled people. They run sessions in various parks, and have used the concourse at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium since 2015.  

Jo said: “It’s wonderful to see participants' confidence grow with each session. We've had incredible moments, like watching a 103-year-old ex-racing cyclist ride a tandem bike. Every achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated.” 

One person benefitting from the sessions is 27-year-old Angus Reader, who learnt to ride at primary school and since joining Pedal Power has transitioned from a tricycle to a two-wheeled bike.  

“The exercise and fresh air are great for Angus”, his mother, Sara, said. “The staff and volunteers are fantastic – always kind and patient”.  

One such volunteer is Asli Oztoprak Erturk, who moved to London from Turkey a year ago. Although she loved cycling as a child, she had stopped due to the busy roads in her home country. Encouraged by her neighbour who worked at Pedal Power, Asli got back on a bike after more than 20 years. 

Asli said: “Cycling in Islington, with its safe cycle lanes and low-traffic neighborhoods, is a completely different experience. 

“I started as a volunteer at Pedal Power and am now a Cycling Training Assistant. It’s improved my confidence and my life. I’ve met lovely people, learned more about English culture, and practiced my language skills. 

“Working with people with disabilities, I see the happiness cycling brings them. The wheelchair bikes are especially amazing – watching participants feel the wind in their hair as they zoom around is truly rewarding.” 

Going the extra mile 

Across Islington, the schoolrun has been changing. Thanks to the council’s 37 School Streets – where roads outside schools are temporarily closed to traffic at drop-off and pick-up times – it's easier than ever for children to walk, cycle, and wheel.  

One school benefitting from these improvements is St Andrew’s Primary School in Barnsbury, who are one of 20,000 schools worldwide taking part in The Daily Mile programme, where children are encouraged to take time out of their day to run, job, wheel or walk in the fresh air with their friends. 

Their teacher, Chris Hales, said: “The idea is to get children moving as much as possible. 

“As part of the initiative, on days where we don’t have PE, we make sure that the children get an extra 10 minutes or so between classes to do some active movement outside and get them focused on their fitness. 

“I find that when we go back into the classroom afterwards, the children are much more focused and refreshed.” 

Trimming traffic for an eco-friendly Islington 

One of the areas to benefit from the changes is Cross Street, with its stunning architecture, inviting cafes, and shops.  

The area is part of the St Mary’s low-traffic neighbourhood and hosts the eco-conscious hairdresser Supply 91, who have donated 2,000 trees to Madagascar through climate action group Ecologi.  

Their co-founder, Luke Davies, said: “We’ve found that around 70% of our customers are from Islington, and that the vast majority of those walk, cycle, or get the tube to us.   

“Since the introduction of the low-traffic neighbourhood, there’s been more of a buzz on Cross Street – it's becoming more of a destination spot.  

“With fewer cars going by, it’s definitely got a bit more inviting, especially on weekends when people have a mooch around.”