Hackney’s policy of closing through passage to cars, thereby creating more bike-friendly streets, creates this useful route to the City. It’s not all plain sailing, especially as you continue towards Liverpool Street, but it’s a good alternative to the Kingsland Road or the Old Street roundabout. It passes right through the heart of fashionable Hoxton and Shoreditch, and the Cyclelab Juice Bar is en route should you need a pick-me-up.