On your bike! Leyton residents pedal around local park

Leyton residents had a wheelie good time learning how to cycle through the Foundation’s Get Set Go project.

Funded by L&Q and Sport England, the eight-week family cycling programme was held in partnership with Joy Riders, who offered tailored coaching based on ability.

For children and adults who had never cycled, the programme helped them develop basic skills to allow them to ride safely and confidently in local spaces.

For those with some experience, the instructors taught them advanced skills for cycling on off-road routes, such as riding one-handed or whilst looking over their shoulders.

Bikes were hired from Peddle My Wheels at no cost to residents and the sessions took place in Leyton Jubilee Park.

A young resident having a wheelie good time

Giving kids the thrill of biking outdoors, one resident saw all three of her children make inroads into the activity.

Mrs Moh said:

“The children were all new to cycling. To see their progress has been nothing short of amazing. I had been looking for a hobby that would get them out of the house and off their screens and this is perfect.”

Many of the residents cite free time as a reason for learning – but for most, it’s more than being able to fill a spare afternoon.

Firdous, who had not ridden a bike since she was a child over twenty years ago, said:

“I set myself a goal of learning how to ride a bike after the pandemic. Living alone during Covid, without being able to cycle or drive, left me feeling isolated, claustrophobic and trapped.

I would see people riding around in groups and by themselves. I envied the freedom it gave them and decided that was something I wanted for myself.”

Liana Brown, Get Set Go Activity Project Manager said:

“Cycling is kind to the environment and our purses, keeps us fit, and provides a fun and social pastime to enjoy with others.

The benefits are well-known, yet so many miss out on the joys of cycling because they don’t have a bike or know how to ride one. That so many non-cyclists walked away from the sessions now able to ride speaks volumes about the difference this programme has made for residents.”