Cycle Buddies helps people to make essential journeys safely and to keep active during lockdown. The London Cycling Campaign project matches people who want to build confidence with experienced cyclists who will ride with them and help them expand their cycling horizons.
Many people still need to travel during lockdown – to work, school, college or childcare, or for essential shopping or medical appointments. At the same time, many are reluctant to use public transport, and they don’t want to add to congestion by driving. But making a new journey and finding a comfortable route can seem intimidating on your own, and that’s where Cycle Buddies comes in.
Rebecca from Bromley contacted Cycle Buddies for help getting to work: “My cycle buddy Kat was great. She found a great route that avoids all the scary, busy junctions and roads I'd been dreading. I was worried I might turn up to find a lycra-clad person who would be a bit intimidating but she was really easy to chat to and it was really nice that she was just a laid-back cyclist.”
It’s important to keep fit for general health and to fight the virus, but Sport England found that during the first lockdown, the proportion of the population classed as active dropped by 7.1%. This represents just over 3 million fewer active people. Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and lockdown restrictions allow you to meet in a public outdoor place with one other person from outside your household to take physical exercise.
“I used to go dancing three times a week but I have had to give all that up in lockdown,” said Wandsworth-based Cycle Buddy Trish. “Cycling has replaced my dancing. I’m in my 50s, it’s so much better for me getting around like this. Cycling is fantastic for the heart, for your self-esteem and for your whole body.”
Trish’s experience also speaks to the mental health benefits of regular exercise. “I felt so elated cycling with my buddy, Jo,” she said. “Getting out on the bike has been good to deal with my emotions. My father was ill, not with Covid, and passed away. And I couldn’t see the grandchildren during lockdown. Cycling is a relief from all that stress.”
People are signing up across London for help to do more cycling or to help others to start - you too can sign up to join Cycle Buddies here.
Making Essential Journeys
Many people still need to travel during lockdown – to work, school, college or childcare, or for essential shopping or medical appointments. At the same time, many are reluctant to use public transport, and they don’t want to add to congestion by driving. But making a new journey and finding a comfortable route can seem intimidating on your own, and that’s where Cycle Buddies comes in.
Rebecca from Bromley contacted Cycle Buddies for help getting to work: “My cycle buddy Kat was great. She found a great route that avoids all the scary, busy junctions and roads I'd been dreading. I was worried I might turn up to find a lycra-clad person who would be a bit intimidating but she was really easy to chat to and it was really nice that she was just a laid-back cyclist.”
Exercising Safely
It’s important to keep fit for general health and to fight the virus, but Sport England found that during the first lockdown, the proportion of the population classed as active dropped by 7.1%. This represents just over 3 million fewer active people. Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and lockdown restrictions allow you to meet in a public outdoor place with one other person from outside your household to take physical exercise.
“I used to go dancing three times a week but I have had to give all that up in lockdown,” said Wandsworth-based Cycle Buddy Trish. “Cycling has replaced my dancing. I’m in my 50s, it’s so much better for me getting around like this. Cycling is fantastic for the heart, for your self-esteem and for your whole body.”
Trish’s experience also speaks to the mental health benefits of regular exercise. “I felt so elated cycling with my buddy, Jo,” she said. “Getting out on the bike has been good to deal with my emotions. My father was ill, not with Covid, and passed away. And I couldn’t see the grandchildren during lockdown. Cycling is a relief from all that stress.”
People are signing up across London for help to do more cycling or to help others to start - you too can sign up to join Cycle Buddies here.