Saddle up! Bid to get Ealing people on two wheels in National Bike Week (From Ealing Times)

Saddle up! Bid to get Ealing people on two wheels in National Bike Week

3:39pm Monday 18th June 2012 in News By Helena Hickey

A PUSH for pedal power is underway across Ealing as part of National Bike Week, which began on Saturday.

More people are being encouraged to cycle, with the council pledging measures such as creating cycle routes segregated from other traffic, improving cycle links to town centres, increasing public cycle parking and working with the police to tackle cycle theft.

The borough is also supporting The Times newspaper’s Cycle Safety Campaign, launched earlier this year, and hopes it will encourage a cycling revolution in Ealing.

A new bicycle hub near Ealing Broadway station, which offers more secure, covered and well-lit cycle parking, will open in July.

Additionally, a new cycle stand at Haven Green will be covered by CCTV and will increase the amount of cycle parking places from 74 to 123.

Councillors are also doing their bit to encourage residents to get on their bikes.

Council leader Julian Bell is aiming to cycle 2,012 miles in 2012 as part of his Olympic ‘get set challenge’ and has so far cycled more than 800 miles since April.

“I’m enjoying the exercise and fresh air, and every time I pass a petrol station I’m reminded how much money I’m saving,” he said.

A series of Dr Bike Sessions, which help cyclists find out what might be wrong with their bikes and how to fix them, is being held to mark National Bike Week:

Monday, June 18, 4-7pm: Greenford town centre, corner of Oldfield Lane and Ruislip Road

Tuesday, June 19, 4-7pm: Haven Green, Ealing

Wednesday, June 20, 4-7pm: Hanwell Clock Tower

Thursday, June 21, 4-7pm: Acton Town Centre

Friday, June 22, 4-7pm: West Ealing

Saturday, June 23, 2-5pm: Southall Park.

The council is also offering on-road cycle training for children and adults, at a cost of £5. For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/cycling