Free, fun and accessible cycle confidence hubs launched

Heston and Feltham residents visited their new cycle hubs in February, with many putting their names down for a bike giveaway and browsing an affordable, second-hand bike market. The council’s blood pressure checks at Heston also proved popular.

Hounslow Council celebrated the arrival of brand-new accessible cycles at its circular cycle track in Inwood Park, 13 Feb. Despite it being a drizzly day, residents turned out to give the new bikes a spin and get their old bikes checked over by the Council’s Dr Bike, bike maintenance experts – who attended all three events. Children took turns on a smoothie making bike and everyone agreed that all ability cycling is a great way to open up peddle power to all.

 

Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said:

There are many benefits to cycling, and one thing we can all think about is how a bike might help to cut journey times and costs. Cycling can also help to improve physical health, mental health and local air quality.

We have lots of cycle routes and are working with TfL to enhance and increase our offer. Residents can also access our free Dr Bike repairs, bike parking, free cycling lessons, accessible cycles and cycling hubs across the borough.

Being confident and enjoying cycling is a great first step, and one that our cycle hubs can help with.

Hounslow Council offers two more cycle hubs at Hanworth Leisure Centre and Lampton Park, the Council also runs sessions from Osterley Park in association with the National Trust. In addition, trained instructors can meet residents at locations that are convenient for them, across the borough.

Cllr Dunne has a go on the smoothie bike accessible cycle at Inwood Park cycle hub celebration

The new Feltham Park Hub and the improvements at Inwood Park were funded by South Western Railway and the Heston Park hub was funded by the council.

Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director for South Western Railway, said:

We are thrilled that a grant from our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund has supported the opening of these fantastic new cycle hubs.

We are always keen to promote active and sustainable travel across our network, especially cycling with its multitude of physical and mental health benefits, as well as its positive impact on local air quality.

We encourage anyone taking a SWR service to consider cycling before and after their journey with us. Customers should check our website for more information regarding travelling with their bikes and any restrictions that apply.

Sign up online for free, fun, instructor led, bookable cycle confidence lessons, all year round.