Council Cycling Initiative Ready To Roll Out

With a series of bike rides aimed at all ages & skills

Having partnered with British Cycling and Team Sky, the town hall has announced 12 bike rides that will take place over the next four months to provide new opportunities for residents to get into cycling.

All of the rides have been designed to give members of the public the chance to discover the best routes around Wandsworth for travelling to town centres and other places of interest.

They vary in levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists wanting tougher rides, so everyone can pick a ride to suit skills and enjoyment. There will also be goodies on offer to children who join in one, two or three rides.

British Cycling trained ride leaders – friendly local volunteers who love bike riding and want to share that enthusiasm – will guide the groups of around 16-24 people along the routes.

The council’s cabinet member for transport, Councillor Russell King, said:
“I hope, with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, members of the public will be inspired to saddle up and see the sights of the borough on two wheels. These 12 rides will give anyone and everyone the chance to get active – whether a family is looking for a fun day out or an experienced cyclist is looking for a new outdoor challenge.”

The ‘King George's Park Pootle’ and ‘A ‘peace’ of Battersea Park’ rides will offer inexperienced cyclists and families a more relaxed pace through scenic surroundings while rides setting off from Wandsworth Common Train Station and Wandsworth Park give hardened riders a tougher test.

For those in between the two experience levels, there will be ‘South West London Commons’ rides departing from Tooting Bec Common and ‘A Spin along the Thames’ routes starting at Battersea Park Millennium Arena.

The Sky Ride Local rides are all free to join, and it is easy to register. Simply visit www.goskyride.com/wandsworth and click on the ride you want to take part in to sign up and book places.

The first ride – classed as easy – sets off from Battersea Park Millennium Arena at 2pm on June 10, while the second – a steady ride at a leisurely pace – leaves from Tooting Bec Common at 2pm on June 17.

Visit the website for the full list of rides on offer and detailed information about each one, including when they take place and where they start.

Places are limited so anyone keen on taking part should book soon to avoid disappointment.

May 30, 2012