Redbridge champions greener, active travel with new cycle lane upgrades and cycle skills training for borough’s budding cyclists

Redbridge Council is making it easier and safer to get around the borough by bicycle with the introduction of new mandatory cycle lanes and FREE cycle skills training to support local people and school children adopt greener, healthier travel choices.

Through its commitment to continue to improve the cycling infrastructure in the borough, the Council is creating new mandatory cycle lanes, widening existing cycle lanes, and completing a range of road safety improvements on cycle routes in Wanstead.

The ambition is to link popular and existing cycle routes to transport hubs, high streets, green spaces and other cycling routes in neighbouring boroughs. 

The new and improved cycles lanes will be on Blake Hall Road, Centre Road, Lake House Road and Aldersbrook Road.

Andrew Casson, Redbridge Council Team Lead for Active and Sustainable Travel, said: “Developing Redbridge’s cycling infrastructure and providing cycling training is part of our commitment to active and sustainable travel which can contribute to healthier lifestyles, a reduction in obesity in young people, improve air quality on our streets and encourage a switch from car to bicycle for short local trips - ultimately leading to cleaner, greener, and safer travel for our residents.”

Redbridge Council is also supporting budding cyclists by offering cycle training to develop and improve their cycling skills, and rider confidence through our training provider ‘Cycle Confident’. The council backed initiative offers FREE cycle training to adults, children, and families (with up to three participants) who live, work or study in the borough.

Additional courses include Bikeability cycle training in schools, delivered for both primary and secondary aged students to encourage more cycling to school.

Find out more about ‘Cycle Confident’ courses on: https://www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/london-borough-of-redbridge/

Last year over 1,100 Redbridge children received cycle training in schools and 900 individuals – mix of adult, family, and 1-2-1 training - received cycle skills training outside of the school setting.

Championing more cycling in the borough is Redbridge school pupil, Azur Fangeat, who cycles to school every day. An avid cyclist like his parents, he completed a 26-day family bike ride from Switzerland to Holland – covering 1444km – at the age of just 5.

Speaking about the benefits of cycling Azur, age 8, who attends Aldersbrook Primary School, said: “I use my bike a lot to get to places and also use it every day to cycle to school. I love cycling and being outdoors, plus bikes are much better for the environment – something I’ve learnt more about as I’ve got older. Riding and exploring places on a bike is lots of fun, and you get to see things you wouldn’t have seen if you were in a car. It also keeps me active, which my parents are happy about! If you’ve never ridden a bike before, don’t worry – it’s not hard to learn so don’t be put off. If I can do it, anyone can!”

Azur’s mum, Ropu, echoed his sentiments, adding: “As a family we’ve never owned a car and cycle everywhere, but for us cycling is about more than just transport – it’s also a joy. Cycling brings people together. For us it’s a brilliant way to spend time with each other as a family outdoors. I’d highly recommend it, and it’s great for the environment too.”

Residents can access a wealth of cycling information on the council’s website ranging from free bike services and cycling routes to information about Redbridge Cycling Centre – a dedicated facility for cyclists of all abilities, offering a purpose built road, BMX and off road tracks, as well as access to hire bikes and cycle coaching. Find out more on: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/cycling/

Those interested in cycling will also enjoy the chance to be close to the action as RideLondon 2022 comes to Redbridge on Sunday 29 May. Part of the world’s biggest cycling festival, the course will run through Redbridge giving residents the opportunity to cheer on participants and enjoy the spectacle of thousands of cyclists at close quarters. Find out more: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/news/april-2022/ridelondon-is-back/

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