Freewheelin’ Following the massive 2012 Games gold rush all things bike are big. In Newham this movement is being spearheaded by the Newham Cyclists, part of the London Cycling Campaign. Newham Cyclist Emma Harper secured a place in the Prudential RideLondonSurrey 100 on Sunday 4 August, thanks to Newham Council, and is raising money for the charity Care for Casualties. She said: “I’ve been a member of Newham Cyclists for around three years and am thrilled to be riding 100 miles in the RideLondon 100. It’s the first time the event has run and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is such a good starting place.” Emma is enthusiastic about the growth of cycling in Newham. She said: “There’s certainly a lot more people at our cycling events and on the roads. The new Cycle Superhighway will help make cycling in Newham better.” Plans for Route 2 of the Barclay’s Cycle Superhighway were consulted on and
approved by the council earlier this year. Work has now started and it opens this winter. Cycling is getting ever more popular both as a method of transport and as recreation. In London the number of people cycling has doubled in the past five years. If you want to try cycling why not take part in one of the Newham Cyclists’ monthly New Newham Rides – a leisurely, social ride that takes in: The Olympic Park, House Mill, Royal Docks, Siemens Crystal, Thames Barrier, and Brick Lane Music Hall. It starts at 10.30am outside Stratford Station and finishes back there at about 3pm. The next ride is on Saturday 27 July. For more information call 07947 236 965.
The Newham Cyclists will lead a group of cyclists to the FreeCycle event in London on Saturday 3 August and family oriented, cycling activities will take place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park throughout the weekend.
If you are interested in joining the Newham Cyclists email newham-cycling@yahoogroups.com For more information on free cycle training email cycle.training@newham.gov.uk To sponsor Emma visit www.justgiving.com/emma-harper3
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