Around Ealing October 2018 | Page 12

CYCLING It’s a breeze to keep cycling Cycling is a fantastic way to get around, keep fit and build exercise into your daily routine while using an environmentally friendly form of transport. There is no need to pack your bike away for the autumn or winter months, either, writes Jessica O’Neil-Shaw. A s well as being fun and free, cycling can also lower your blood pressure and resting heart rate, while offering significant mental health benefits such as reducing stress and combating depression. It is for these reasons that Ealing Council provides a range of support to cyclists to help them keep pedalling. Indeed, there are plenty of workshops, riding groups and training sessions available around the borough. ‘IT CAN BE A LOVELY SOCIAL EXPERIENCE’ For example, the council works closely with the Breeze group for west London. It is part of the national Breeze programme, which is sponsored by HSBC and aims to encourage more women to cycle regardless of age and experience. Its local champions, who are volunteers trained by 12 around ealing    October 2018   Checking bikes before cycling