Islington campaigner, Rebecca Taylor, is calling for stronger action on bike crime in the borough

Rebecca, the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Hillrise council by-election on 2 May, is a keen cyclist who has cycled to work in London for many years. She supports active travel policies that make it easier for people to walk or cycle around London.

“You can save money, reduce pollution, and improve your health; what’s not to like?!”.

Rebecca has unfortunately, like many Islington cyclists, been the victim of bicycle crime. In October 2023 her locked bike was stolen, then in March 2024 a wheel was stolen off her new bike despite it being locked to the frame.

“Bike theft is rampant in Islington. I have the impression that the Police don’t have the resources to investigate so they just record the incident and give you a crime number so you can claim on insurance if you have any.

“It’s not good enough for Labour to say they are pro-cycling, when the Met Police under the Mayor of London don’t take bike crime seriously, while Islington’s Labour council is failing to meet demand for secure cycling parking.

“Liberal Democrats at City Hall would reverse the cuts in police numbers. And we’ve pledged to review all major road junctions for cycle safety and provide secure cycle parking on every street or estate in Islington where six or more households request it.”