Another free event taking place on Wandsworth Common

The people of Wandsworth have played their part in a cycling revolution, which has seen a huge increase in the number of regular cyclists nationwide.

Since 2009, British Cycling and Sky have encouraged over one million people to start cycling on a regular basis by helping to arrange bike rides to suit all skill levels.

Over the summer, Wandsworth Council – in partnership with British Cycling and Team Sky – ran a series of local rides designed to give people of all ages and ability more confidence on two wheels.

Sir Chris Hoy, British Cycling ambassador and Britain’s most successful ever Olympian, said: “It has been an incredible summer for cycling and it's fantastic to see so many people enjoying riding their bikes and loving the sport.

“There are so many opportunities to cycle wherever you live and it's clear that Britain is now a true cycling nation.”

About 200 borough residents have taken advantage of the free, guide-led rides so far – and more opportunities to get out and about on bikes are being planned in the coming months.

Councillor Russell King, Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman, said: “Our partnership with British Cycling has been a real success – we’ve provided hundreds of free bike riding opportunities for residents and created a lasting cycling legacy for the local community.

“Together, we want to provide even more opportunities for local people to get on their bike.”

The next cycle ride – a leisurely, women-only Breeze bike ride – sets off from Wandsworth Common at 9.45am on Monday, October 22. To book your place or to find out about future events visit www.goskyride.com/wandsworth.

Breeze is a programme aimed at getting more women into riding bikes for fun. British Cycling wants to help hundreds more women in Wandsworth to feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride.

The campaign is making Wandsworth a better connected place with more transport options, such as the rollout of the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme into the north of Wandsworth.

Wandsworth Council is continuing to lobby TfL and the Mayor of London to expand the scheme right across the borough so that every home has a ‘Boris Bike’ within easy reach.

To learn more about Travel Choices visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/travelchoices.

October 19, 2012