Around Ealing Autumn 2016 | Page 46

CYCLING The WOW factor A new initiative has been started by Ealing Council to encourage more women to cycle and overcome perceived barriers to taking to two wheels – whether it is having children, or just a lack of know-how or confidence. Saredo Mohammed T he project is called Ealing Women on Wheels, or Ealing WOW for short. Things got started over the summer with several special events – but it has not stopped there. You can follow news of activities on Twitter using the hashtag #Ealingwow and visit www.ealing.gov.uk/wow to get the latest information. You will find opportunities to: ■ Get free cycle training ■ Ask questions about cycling and have them answered by experts ■ Find out the latest about cycling events ■ Access offers and discounts for cycle equipment. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] to find out more and to sign up to receive email updates with all the latest information. By getting involved you will also get the chance to benefit from free bike maintenance, online bookings, bike recycling, and much more. ‘IT IS FOR WOMEN OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES’ Saredo Mohammed is 21 and lives in Southall. She recently took up cycling again and is encouraging other women to do the same. She said: “I have cycled since I was a little girl but then I just stopped. But I’ve now picked it back up again and I have been spreading the word about Women on Wheels and following #Ealingwow for updates. It is for women of all shapes, sizes and ages. “My mood definitely improves when I cycle, I’m happy that I’m not being stuck on a bus or in a car or in traffic. I definitely also feel more connected to the community when I’m discovering lovely parts of the borough whilst riding that I’d never know existed otherwise. It is always fun. I am currently saving up for a new bike and can’t wait to start riding it to work.” MUMS CARRYING PRECIOUS CARGO Rachael Nolan, who lives in Hanwell, was a keen cyclist and wanted to keep it up when she had children. She said: “It has been a bumpy ride.” With the blessing of her midwife, Rachael kept cycling when she was pregnant with her second child: “This wasn’t always looked upon favourably 46 around ealing Autumn 2016