Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 23 May 2004
Strict Embargo: 00:01hrs, Sunday, 23 May 2004
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ALL THE HELP YOU NEED TO GET ON YOUR BIKE
Local cycling group the Tower Hamlets Wheelers are re-launching their
successful Cycle Training and Bike Buddy scheme tomorrow (Monday).
The scheme, which opened for the first time in 2003, aims to help would-be
cyclists to gain the confidence and know-how to take up bike riding.
Anyone who lives, works or cycles through Tower Hamlets can benefit from
professional cycle training and the help and support of a mentor, or Bike
Buddy.
Aneeta Patel, a 28 year old artist from Tower Hill, was terrified of cycling
on London roads until she took advantage of the Wheelers' training scheme
last year. She says: "Before I took cycle training, the thought of riding on
London roads was incredibly daunting. But I had just one lesson and now I
have bags of confidence.
"I ride my bike for pleasure and to get to and from work. Taking the tube
was a real drain on my purse and my spirits. By cycling I'm saving money and
I arrive a work feeling happy and ready for the day rather than exhausted
from stuffy tubes and delayed trains.
"Cycling also gives me more independence - I can go anywhere I want at any
time without worrying about the cost. Now I'm free to explore the capital."
The scheme includes at least two free cycle lessons to help beginners to get
to grips with a bike and learn to deal safely and confidently with riding in traffic.
With the help of a 'Bike Buddy', an experienced local cyclist, new cyclists
can gain extra road experience and find bike-friendly routes to work.
Tower Hamlets Wheelers also provide a copy of the Highway Code, cycle route
maps, advice on safety equipment and help with minor repairs. The group can
even provide low-cost recycled bikes to those who can't stretch to buying a
new or second hand bike.
Owen Pearson, Co-ordinator of the Tower Hamlets Wheelers says: "Cycling
offers a cheap, healthy and reliable way of getting around London but a lack
of confidence or experience can be a barrier to getting started.
"This scheme is aimed anyone in the borough who wants to cycle but doesn't
know where or how to begin."
Dolores Rice, 47 from Wanstead, also took part in the scheme last year. She
now enjoys regular bike rides as well as commuting by bike to Covent Garden,
where she works as a solicitor.
Dolores says: "Training has made a huge different to me - it's given me
essential skills and confidence to get on my bike.
"I find cycling a great pleasure - I love taking my bike out for trip at the
weekend - but it's also convenient way to get to and from work."
To find out more or take part in the scheme visit
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk/bikebuddy and email
bikebuddy@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
Ends
For media enquiries please contact Kerry Noble, press officer for the Tower
Hamlets Wheelers, on 07815 902 560 or email press@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
Notes to editors
The training is subsidized by grants from St Katharine and Shadwell Trust,
DfT's Cycling Projects Fund and Awards for All.
Tower Hamlets Wheelers are a local cycling campaign group in the East End of
London. The group aims to encourage more people to cycle, improve conditions
for cyclists and to raise the profile of cycling in the East End.
For more information on the Tower Hamlets Wheelers, visit
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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