CYCLING
Breeze champions lead a group of women cyclists in Pitshanger Park
you but can also
be a lovely social
experience, which is
a big draw card for
a lot of the women
who join us. Our
rides are usually
at a leisurely pace
on quiet roads and
paths such as along
the canal and through
parks so that everyone
has a chance to chat
and see some beautiful
parts of the borough.
Motivations vary: From
wanting to learn the skills,
to making cycling to school
a family activity; or even just
regular cyclists wanting to meet
other women and enjoy leisurely
rides. But a lot of it comes down to
confidence-building and if you haven’t
been on a bike for a while it’s a good
way of getting some practice.”
British Cycling, organise weekend and
weekday rides in the area.
Ealing’s Breeze champion Helen
Hayes said: “It’s important to stay
active even during the cooler months
and cycling is not only good for
FREE TRAINING – AND
BIKE CHECKS
The council has got training
covered for you too. So,
do not fear if you have not
cycled for years, or are a
total novice, or just want to
feel more confident cycling
in colder conditions.
Council leader Julian Bell
said: “Anyone living or working
in the borough is eligible for
free one-to-one training with our
specialist trainers. It offers tailored
help to cyclists of all abilities – from
beginners upwards.
“Meanwhile, to help cyclists feel safe
and confident, the council’s bicycle
support team regularly runs bike health
check sessions called Dr Bike. At these
you can get your tyre pressure, brakes
and gears all checked for free. Advice
WHY CYCLING IS GOOD
FOR YOU
n Even along flat ground cycling
burns 400 calories in one hour
n It
improves your strength,
stamina and cardio-vascular fitness
n It helps shed those unwanted
pounds. A cycle ride increases
calorie consumption and raises
the metabolic rate, which can
help to lose weight
n It reduces stress and can help
to lift your mood
SIMPLE TIPS FOR COLD
WEATHER CYCLING
n Check your tyres and brakes
regularly (and use the free
Dr Bike maintenance sessions
around the borough – see more
at www.ealing.gov.uk/cycling)
n Wear brightly coloured,
reflective clothing, use lights on
your bike and position yourself
on the road to be visible to traffic
n If you buy waterproof
trousers and jacket you can
ke ep pedalling, regardless of
the weather
is also offered on things from finding
the correct sitting position, pumping
up tyres through to diagnosing
serious mechanical problems.
“Cycling and other forms of
sustainable travel are so important for
our borough’s future. As well as being
good for you, every journey you can
swap your car for a bike is good for
the air we all breathe.”
For more information visit
www.ealing.gov.uk/cycling or
go to www.letsride.co.uk/breeze for
more on Breeze.
around ealing October 2018
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