There are even more reasons to stay in the saddle this winter. Those learning to ride a bike can enjoy beginners’ rides for women starting this weekend; while experienced cyclists wanting to include their young family in their rides can now borrow cargo bikes free of charge.
Get around in a cargo bike
Because of popular demand, Ealing Council has added another cargo bike to its fleet. Joining the existing cargo trike is a two-wheeler cargo bike and both are free to hire for Ealing residents as long as you have valid third-party cycle insurance.
Cargo bikes, also known as freight bicycles, carrier cycles or box bikes, are pedal-powered and designed specifically for transporting loads. They are great alternatives to the car, can be used to carry up to four small children and are perfect for a fun day out, your commute or even the school run.
Tempted to give it a go? Email begreen@ealing.gov.uk for more information and to reserve one.
Ealing residents borrowing the cargo bikes are also being offered half price membership of the London Cycling Campaign (membership includes third-party liability insurance), bringing the annual cost down to £25. The cargo bikes are available for up to a maximum of two weeks at a time and need to be collected from, and dropped back to, the council’s Perceval House offices, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL.
Read more about how to borrow the cargo bikes on the cycling pages of the council’s website.
Breeze through winter with beginners’ rides
Rides for women will take place in Southall during January and February. They are designed to help you build confidence in your cycling while socialising and enjoying beautiful cycling routes in your area.
Ealing Council works closely with the Breeze group for west London, which is organising the rides. It is part of the national Breeze programme, and aims to encourage more women to cycle regardless of age and experience. Its local champions, who are volunteers trained by British Cycling, organise rides in the area.
Each of the rides in Southall will be between four and eight miles long and will start at 1pm from the tennis courts in Southall Park near the entrance by Villiers High School.
The first of the rides is this Saturday (11 January); and others will take place on 18 January, and 8 and 15 February.
Find out more at https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/breeze-through-winter-with-beautiful-beginners-in-southall
