Tuesday, 19 March 2024
News

London Cycling Campaign launches Cycle Buddies

London Cycling Campaign has announced the launch of its new project which aims to encourage more Londoners to cycle during the pandemic. The new campaign, known as Cycle Buddies helps people to make essential journeys safely and supports physical and mental health during lockdown.

The project matches up people who are new to cycling in London or have not ridden a bike for a while with experienced riders.

Cycle Buddies is now live across 13 London boroughs, covering most of zones one and two, as well as some outer London boroughs, and has introduced over 100 new riders to a buddy. London Cycling Campaign is looking to partner with organisations who can help the project grow.

“Cycle buddies is really easy to sign up to,” commented Mary Burke after being paired with an experienced rider. “It doesn’t cost anything, and it is incredibly useful. It encourages cycling newbies to commit to using the bike more and gain confidence with it. Riding with a buddy is really enjoyable and I learnt a lot from the experience.”

Cycle buddy Trish said: “Before I joined Cycle Buddies I was just doing short local rides – now I feel confident to go much further.  I’m in my 50s, and it’s so much better for me getting around like this. Cycling is fantastic for the heart, for your self-esteem and for your whole body.”

Ashok Sinha, Chief Executive of London Cycling Campaign commented: “We are campaigning hard to see more and improved cycling infrastructure installed across London. Cycle Buddies helps people use the new Streetspace cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods to make their journeys by bike. Cycle Buddies will also help LCC do our bit to make London a more diverse and inclusive cycling city.”

Government advice is to walk or cycle wherever possible, and new cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods introduced under the Mayor’s Streetspace plan make many journeys easier. Coronavirus lockdown restrictions allow two people from different households to exercise together in outdoor public places.  Buddies are given advice on how they can ride together safely within these rules.

New riders can sign up here