ACTIVE TRAVEL
Get active to get around
Whether it is to help lower carbon footprint or boost fitness , local people are choosing active travel options to get from A to B . And , as Daniel Stephens reports , the council is supporting residents of all ages in making the switch as we boost our step counts and increase pedal power .
More than 20 schools across the borough are leading the way by participating in the Big Pedal , a national challenge pitting schools against each other to see how many journeys to and from school can be clocked up by bike , scooter or on foot .
More than 33,000 active travel journeys have so far been made by pupils , staff and parents in our borough and Oaklands Primary School in Hanwell has had great success in helping pupils get involved . It has been as high as 31st in the entire country .
Councillor Deirdre Costigan , cabinet member for climate action , said : “ Congratulations to Oaklands and all our schools participating in the Big
Karolina Malinowska
Pedal Challenge . It is a great way of encouraging young people to walk and cycle as we look to increase the active travel journeys right across the borough .”
CYCLING SUPPORT Cycle training and cycle maintenance is available through the regular Dr Bike sessions taking place at locations across the borough this summer . Further cycling training for adults and children is available alongside hiring of dockless bikes , and much more – including a Try Before You Bike scheme that allows you to hire a bike before deciding to buy it .
Karolina Malinowska said : “ I ’ ve definitely caught the cycling bug . I decided on Try Before You Bike because , having not cycled since childhood , I was not sure if commuting on a bike is for me . But I absolutely love it and can ’ t recommend this flexible service highly enough . My daughter loves cycling around in her seat that I ordered with the bike and we went on many fantastic days out last summer .”
CARS AND VANS From 25 October , Transport for London ’ s Ultra Low Emissions Zone is expanding from central London and will include some parts of the east of the borough , affecting cars and vans . Find out more at tfl . gov . uk / driving
People who want to cut down on their car or van use but still need one for some journeys could benefit from one of the borough ’ s car clubs . You can book for as little as an hour . There are also discounted rates , whole day hire or long-term hire . Find out more about active travel , cycle support and car clubs at ealingnewsextra . co . uk / features / active-travel-support
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