We know that encouraging people to consider using a bike for local journeys not only saves them money on transport costs and helps with fitness levels but can increase independence while reducing their carbon-footprint. But for many Kingston residents there are still a number of barriers to overcome.
We were therefore grateful to be awarded £5,000 earlier this year from Kingston Council‘s Community Resilience Fund to support our campaigning activities for safe and enjoyable cycling across the borough.
As part of this, during Sustainable September our volunteers are out and about at a trio of cycle-focused Kingston events encouraging people on bikes to stay safe and seen after dark, and lock their bicycles up correctly.
From lighting up Surbiton Station (19 Sept, 5.30-7pm) and giving out more bike lights to cyclists along The Cut / by New Malden Station (26 Sept, 5.30-7pm), we’ll also be on hand at Surbiton Festival (28 Sept, 10am-4pm) to answer any other cycling-related questions to help keep residents active this autumn and build their cycling confidence.
In addition to sharing information to inspire more Kingston residents to consider cycling, we’ve also been busy supporting RBKares to target vulnerable groups in the community and help them access more affordable travel.
Over the past 18 months, the charity has been working with our friends at Full Cycle Community Bike Project to deliver bikes to RBKares Wellbeing Day guests in the greatest need, from refugees to NHS workers. In addition to regularly joining the monthly event to help give guest bikes much needed TLC, our resilience fund grant has already allowed us to donate 40 quality bike locks to help keep their new transport secure.
The grant has also helped us promote our confidence-building activity, from family-friendly rides – such as our autumn escorted group event, starting from Claremont Gardens (Sun 6 Oct, 10.45am) – to the 1-on-1 Cycle Buddy scheme we promote via London Cycling Campaign. This free service connects new and experienced cyclists, helping residents plot and practice new routes, whether riding the kids to school, commuting to work or heading to the shops.
We’re grateful to Kingston Council for this community grant and the difference it is helping us make to those who live or work in Kingston.
You can find more information on how to stay safe whilst cycling in Kingston and plot new routes here.
Kingston Cycling Campaign 