It's cycle to work day on Thursday 12th September
Ealing Council is keen to see as many local people as possible take part in the event which is championed by multi gold medal winning Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey.
Council leader, Julian Bell and Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and environment, who are both keen cyclists, have pledged to take part in the event.
The wants to establish the borough as one of the country’s most cycle-friendly areas and found out last week that it is in line to win a share of the Mayor of London’s £100million ‘mini-Holland’ cycle fund.
A number of schemes run in Ealing to encourage people to cycle more including; on-road cycling training, commuter escorts who help novice riders overcome challenging road conditions and free ‘Dr Bike’ health checks. And, to make it easier for people to commute using their bikes the council in partnership with Transport for London, introduced a cycle hub opposite Ealing Broadway Station last year. It provides secure parking for 233 cycles.
The cycle hub also has 20 folding Brompton bikes for hire, which are ideal for commuting because they can be carried on to public transport or stored under a desk.
Frequent users can hire a folding bike from £1.60 per day for a month plus a yearly membership fee of £50. A ‘trial rider’ tariff, however, enables new users the opportunity to try it for £10 for a week. People can register online at www.bromptondock.co.uk
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and environment said: “Research shows that around half of all commuter journeys are less than five miles. This day is a good way of getting people to cycle to work.
“Using a cycle is not only good for the environment it also a great way to build exercise in to your daily routine. I hope that many Ealing residents take up this challenge and find out how easy it is to switch to two wheels.”
People can pledge to support the day via www.cycletoworkday.org/ This will help the organisers know how many people took part and give participants the chance to win one of hundreds of prizes, including a Raleigh Revenio 2 worth £700.
11th September 2013