Mini-Holland

Mini Holland •
The benefits would accrue to all road users through reduced
general congestion, but also to individuals who take up
cycling as cyclists are generally less delayed by vehicle
congestion. Increased public transport capacity created by
public transport users transferring shorter trips to cycling.
• High Streets/local shops: There is a growing body
of evidence from London and cycling cities abroad
demonstrating that cyclists (along with public transport
users and pedestrians) are loyal supporters of local shops
and services. They tend to use local shops and services
more frequently and spend more money per month that
those arriving by car. In addition, they do not require
expensive/limited facilities such as car parking.
• An improved public realm, as proposed as part of WF’s Mini
Holland bid, will benefit the local economy by increasing
property values and rental income.
• Increasing cycling has the potential to reduce NHS
spending on at least 20 common diseases linked to lack
of physical activity (including heart disease, stroke, Type 2
diabetes and several cancers), while improvements in air
quality and road safety will result in a lower demand for
spending on respiratory disease and trauma-related injuries/
rehabilitation.
• High tech industries (IT, media) tend to have higher
proportions of cyclists among their workforces, so
improving facilities for cycling will help attract high
value jobs and investment in the area (as has occurred
in Hackney). Provision for cyclists is increasingly a
consideration for European companies seeking to invest in/
relocate to the UK.
• Medical evidence links increased active travel and
physical activity in school children to improved academic
performance and concentration.
• More people cycling in the borough will increase the
requirement for cycling related services and equipment
(such as training, maintenance, bikes and accessories),
providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and social
enterprises.
• Training opportunities for residents in bicycle retail and
maintenance can improve the economic prospects of
residents. (WF has already started working with Bikeworks
at the Leytonstone Community Bike Hub to realize some of
these opportunities).
• Social inclusion will be facilitated and physical severance
addressed by reducing the domination of traffic as part
of the Mini Holland proposals. Real and perceived fear
of traffic has limited the freedom of all residents, but
particularly children and older people, to move around their
communities. There is strong evidence from studies in the
UK and the US that traffic calming increases positive social
interaction in streets and neighbourhoods, and that cycling
helps to make cities happier and more sociable spaces.
Security
• Improved public realm security brought about by increased
natural surveillance from cyclists and increased numbers of
pedestrians taking advantage of enhanced public realm.
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