Words by Smiley Team
While cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel, some are held back by safety concerns, confidence or lack of bike storage.
To address this problem for residents living in East London, environmental charity Hubbub, housing association Poplar Harca and walking and cycling charity Sustrans have launched a bike library offering free cycle hire, cycling lessons and more.
Chrisp Street Community Cycles is in Poplar, at the heart of Tower Hamlets, in London’s most deprived and second most densely populated borough. It also has a high appetite for cycling, with 36% of residents wishing they could cycle more, according to one report.
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“The community cycle hub has been co-designed with residents to meet the needs of the community, it breaks down many of the barriers to cycling and it aims to help change the social norm and show cycling is for everyone,” said Trewin Restorick, CEO and co-founder of Hubbub, adding: “Every part of the community should have an opportunity to enjoy what cycling has to offer."
A disused shop was repurposed to store the bikes, hold cycling activities and offer free repairs. They even offer access to a disco bike for special occasions.
Poplar resident Sangeeta is among the first to have enrolled for free adult cycling lessons at the hub. She joined hoping to get fitter and build her confidence after years off her bike.
Since enrolling, she has started cycling to work and exploring local cycle routes with her 4- and 10-year-old children, all with bikes from the hub. She feels healthier, saves money from travel costs and feels good about reducing her carbon footprint.
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“A year ago, my son’s bike was sitting at home gathering dust because he didn’t know how to ride it," said Sangeeta. "The hub has helped him and the cycle experts there make sure his bike is adjusted for his fit and comfort. Now, when my son rides his bike, kids are looking, admiring. I wish for other kids to do it.
“For me, the convenient location of the hub and being able to book free cycling lessons, learn about bike safety and maintenance have been game-changing. If you’re rusty like me, you can learn to ride. It’s such good exercise. It will help reduce pollution and kids will be more health-conscious. Save your money, learn to ride. There are no cons, all pros.”
To scale up the project and replicate it elsewhere, Hubbub’s staff look forward to sharing their experiences of developing the cycle hub with other organisations.
For more information or sign up for cycling sessions visit communitycycles.co.uk.
Find them at 6-8 Vesey Path, London, E14 6BT.
