Get On Your Bike: 'Hounslow Biking Belles' Officially Launched!
23 July 2018
Hounslow's ladies cycling group has been given a new name - The Hounslow Biking Belles...
The group which meets every Tuesday evening at the Hounslow Civic Centre on Lampton Road, held their naming ceremony last week before setting off on their weekly ride. The group has grown out of the free adult cycle training sessions held each week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The sessions are funded by Transport for London (TfL) with the aim of teaching adults to cycle, or to improve their proficiency. Many who have taken advantage of the scheme were unable to cycle prior to joining. It’s been quite a learning curve for these regulars, to go from being non-cyclists to being confident and proficient enough to take to the road for a 1.5-hour ride covering a distance of approximately 10km.
The group has grown in popularity, particularly with Asian women who are often underrepresented in cycling. Last month’s numbers were over 200 attendees. The route changes from week to week and runs from April to the end of September. Participants range in age from teens to ladies in their seventies.
If you would like to give it a try, don’t worry if you don’t have a bike. The scheme includes a provision of free bikes, helmets and high-vis jackets, so there really is no excuse! There is no need to register, just come along!
One of the regular cyclists, Manvit said:
“I love this cycle club. I have been coming for just over a year now, and previously I was quite nervous on a bike. Not only have I got much more comfortable with cycling, I also feel so much fitter and have made some lovely new friends. I’m even planning on going on a cycling holiday to Vietnam this year!”
Councillor Hanif Khan, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Corporate Property said:
“It’s great to see our first ladies cycle group going from strength to strength in the borough. Cycling offers a great alternative to driving, as a sustainable mode of transport and a healthier option that supports a fit and healthy lifestyle. It’s better for our air quality, eases congestion, and is often more convenient. Initiatives such as these are very effective at helping people to change their behaviour and get out on their bikes. I hope that Hounslow Biking Belles continues to grow in popularity and we are very grateful to Transport for London for funding this scheme in Hounslow.”
For full details of how to join up for free children and adult’s cycle training, go to www.hounslow.gov.uk/getonyourbike