Take pedal power up a gear for Cycle to School Week 2023

Cycle to School Week takes place from Monday 25 to Friday 29 September, and we’re encouraging families across the borough to use pedal power to get to school, as part of the national campaign.

Organised by The Bikeability Trust, in partnership with Sustrans, Cycle to School Week the positive health and environmental benefits cycling brings.

This year the national campaign is asking pupils, parents, schools and teachers to make one of four cycling pledges for Cycle to School Week on Bikeability’s website: www.bikeability.org.uk/cycletoschoolweek/

The four pledges to choose from are:

• Swap one car journey for cycling
• Cycle to school everyday
• Discover somewhere new on your cycle
• Go on a cycle ride with family

Those making a pledge on the website also get entered into the Bikability prize draw to win a brand new Frog children’s bike.

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.

The ten-year-old regularly goes on international cycling adventures, and this summer completed a cycling tour in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan covering 1300 km, which often took Azur and his parents to altitudes of 3400m.

Speaking about the benefits of cycling Azur, who is in Year 6 at 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.”

Local people 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/