Direct Support for 9

2011-2012

Transport Planning Service

Contents

Page What is Direct Support for Cycling? 4

1 Introduction 5

2 Cycle Training 6 2.1 Policy and Standards 6 2.2 Schools Training 7 2.3 Individual Training 9 2.4 Families and Small Groups 12 2.5 Parent/Teacher Advice Sessions 12 2.6 Effectiveness 13 2.7 Instructor Training 17

3 Bicycle Support Team 18 3.1 Policy and Scope 18 3.2 Workplace Schemes 19 3.3 Dr Bike Events 20 3.4 Community & Neighbourhood Projects 21 3.5 Bike Buddy Scheme 24 3.6 Keep Riding Scheme 25 3.7 Maintenance Training 26

4 Home Cycle Parking Programmes 27 4.1 Estates Cycle Parking 27 4.2 Schools and Colleges Parking 28 4.3 Private Home Cycle Parking 29

5 Conclusions 31

Appendices Appendix 1: Feedback 34 Appendix 2: Schools that received cycle training 36 Appendix 3: EASE case study 37 Appendix 4: SACA Ride case study 38 Appendix 5: Bike Buddy case study 39 Appendix 6: Ealing cycle training effectiveness 40

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What is Direct

Support for

Cycling?

Direct Support for Cycling (DSC) is a critical element of any programme of support for existing or potential cyclists. It is necessary for “More cycling, more safely, more often.”

Direct Support for Cycling means providing: x On-road cycle training x Bike buddying x “Keep riding” assistance programmes x Dr. Bike health checks x Private and estates home parking programme x Maintenance classes x GP referral programme

x After school bike clubs

x A youth bike recycling project

x The Southall Women’s Cycle Club

Direct Support for Cycling is a way of overcoming obstacles to everyday cycling. It facilitates the ability to: x Cycle on trips with confidence x Locate and use local bike shops x Set up, maintain and use a bicycle on a daily basis x Secure a bicycle at home, on the street and at work x Be aware of correct positioning on the road, basic rights and responsibilities

Direct Support for Cycling is operated by committed and enthusiastic, experienced everyday cyclists, on a professional basis.

Direct Support for Cycling is integrated into other cycling and sustainable transport programmes and

policies, whether existing (motor traffic reduction) or

potential (support for the local cycle trade).

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1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction

London Borough of Ealing is committed to facilitating alternatives to car use. As a ‘Biking Borough’, cycling is a crucial part of this commitment, which requires a significant shift towards cycling – and from which cyclists will benefit.

Ealing Council is guided by our ‘Borough Cycling Strategy 2010- 2016’ with specific aims and objectives. These include – in line with the Mayor’s Transport Strategy commitment to a 400% increase in cycling in from 2000 to 2026 – a trebling of the 2008 share of journeys made by bicycle by 2026 in the Borough. The council also wishes to reduce the rate of Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) cyclists per journey in the Borough by 30% by 2026 (1/440,000 trips).

Generally, 'provision for cycling' has referred merely to changes in the infrastructure of the highway, such as implementation of cycle routes and installation of cycle parking stands. Ealing Council has carried out and continues to progress work of this type. More recently, however, there has been an increasing emphasis on ways of supporting cycling other than changes to infrastructure, with a focus on the cultural change required to increase the amount of cycling. This work is often innovative, for example Ealing Council is the first in Britain to have a Bicycle Support Team, and the first in London to have a bicycle lockers programme.

The basis of this work is to make cycling appeal to more people as a normal form of everyday transport. It generally involves direct face- to-face contact with actual or potential cyclists – 'direct marketing' of a sustainable transport option. It recognises that most cycling will take place on the existing highway network, as this is usually the only practical way for cyclists to travel efficiently. It addresses issues such as home cycle parking, which are important, but not normally recognised as such by local authorities. None of this work means that issues such as danger from motor vehicle traffic are seen as acceptable. On the contrary, Ealing Council's provision for cycling is grounded on an understanding that increasing the number of people cycling ('') is a vital part of achieving the requirements of cyclists, particularly their safety. We believe that these programmes are an effective way of doing this.

This report describes DSC projects in Ealing, focussing on work in 2011/12. LB Ealing has received and been shortlisted for various awards for this programme, most recently shortlisted for the Cycling Award in the London Transport Awards 2011.

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2. Cycle Training 2.1 Policy and Standards

Anyone living in the Borough is eligible for a limited amount of free or subsidised cycle training, normally of two hours duration. Trainees are required to pay the first £5.00 towards training. This is waived where the trainee is unwaged.

Instructors have the flexibility to meet trainees at any location, day of the week, and time requested. They always Ealing Council is travel by bicycle, providing a loan bike when required. registered as delivering Ealing's instruction meets and exceeds best practice as Bikeability training. defined by the (DfT) National Standard for Cycle Training. This training is called ‘Bikeability’ in the UK and includes a 3 level syllabus - basic controls skills, on-road training on quiet roads, and on-road training on complex busy roads.

The primary aim and benefit of Ealing’s On-Road Cycle

Training programme is to give trainees the necessary skill Ealing's and confidence to deal with the road conditions that they instruction will encounter while travelling by bike. These real-world meets best practice as cycling skills are best learned on the actual roads that the defined by the trainees are likely to use. For this reason all Bikeability National Level 2 and 3 teaching is carried out using mobile training, Standard for choosing locations which are optimum (in terms of traffic Adult and levels etc) for the particular trainee, without the limitation of Teenage Cyclist Training, and 'fixed site' training locations, or the requirement to walk Child Cyclist trainees between these sites. Standards.

Cycle Training UK Ltd (CTUK) delivers cycle training for Ealing Council. Their instructor training, administrative procedures and standards meet or exceed National Standard best practice.

Training is in the latest version of the National Standard Bikeability syllabus, introduced in 2007. CTUK was involved in Bikeability’s Scheme Accreditation pilot in January to March 2007, and was the first scheme in the country accredited for Bikeability. Assessors said that CTUK's scheme was 'very good' and 'very thorough’.

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2.2 Schools Training

Cycle training is offered to Ealing Schools free of charge. Currently Year 5 and 6 children are taught to Bikeability Level 21 so that they are able to make the journey to school by bicycle. Cycle training in secondary schools is at Level 2 with some elements of Level 3.

Cycle Training UK (CTUK) delivers Level 2 courses for Year 5 and 6 pupils over 4 days in 4 successive weeks. Two instructors teach a total of 16 trainees. The course is split into two parts: x Week 1 Bikeability Level 1: Two hour session with two groups of 8 trainees x Week 2/3/4 Bikeability Level 2 – Paired riding (one instructor to two trainees) in 1.25 hour slots. Each pair of trainees will receive 3 x1.25 hours of training.

This format is unique to Ealing. It allows for better outcomes as trainees can be paired with others of similar ability. It also allows each trainee more time practising drills, increases the amount of one-to-one attention each trainee receives and enables trainees to experience a more independent riding session. In addition, if one or two trainees happen to miss one week of training they need not be excluded from the course but instead they can rejoin where they left off. Strong or more experienced trainees are able to work their way to Level 3 of the Bikeability syllabus with this model. This 1:2 ratio (the lowest in London) has led to an increase in more trainees progressing to Level 2 and Level 3.

A one-hour assembly session is presented in schools to promote cycling as a form of transport, and encourage trainees to enrol on the up-coming course before the Introduction to Road Riding. The assembly session is delivered to the whole class or year from which the course draws its trainees, typically 30 or more students. It aims to induce a positive attitude to cycling and to show that it is a The success of Ealing’s new 1 instructor to two trainee ratio fun, practical, environmentally friendly and healthy way to for its Level 2 school cycle travel locally. It also informs potential trainees of the training has been highlighted requirements of participation in the course, minimising in the Tower Hamlets Schools dropout rates and administrative issues on course days. Cycle Research and Evaluation Study Report The one hour assembly has been cited as Innovative/Best February 2012 commissioned by Tower Hamlets and Practice in the Tower Hamlets Schools Cycle Research prepared by Steer Davies and Evaluation Study Report 2012 Gleave.

1 Level 1 concerns control skills, Level 2 is on-road and Level 3 covers advanced on-road skills. 7

2.2 Schools Training cont.

There has been a 15% increase in the number of Ealing GROUP CHILD schools receiving cycle training in 2011/12 compared to TRAINING 2010/11. STATISTICS 2011-12 LB Ealing provides after-school parent/teacher advice 45 schools: sessions (see 2.5) where instructors are on hand to 40 Primary answer questions. The sessions spread awareness of 5 High individual training provision as well as advising on and helping with maintenance of family bicycles.

56 courses LB Ealing offers After School Bike Clubs – run this year

by London Bike Club and centred around various 100 Level 1 aspects of cycling. They are offered to schools as an 677 Level 2 incentive to complete the school’s travel plan and offer 35 Level 3 students a variety of cycling activities outside of the regular cycle training. Marketing material is provided that the school or students can customise to promote the club. Parent/Teacher Advice sessions: The basic framework is 5 weeks and activities are 51 tailored around the school environment, student age and abilities and in consultation with the school. Activities include: classic bike games - slalom, slow bike Total: race etc; bike polo; bicycle maintenance; art activities; map reading; route planning and competitions. 812 pupils These sessions have a strong emphasis on fun but with useful skills in the background for bike handling and general life skills.

‘Cycle Training UK

were very understanding of my time constraints. Both instructors were fabulous, particularly Julie. The kids loved it. Thank you. Year 7 next year would love

to do this’ Drayton

Manor High School

West Acton Primary Cycle Training

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2.3 Individual Training

Bikeability Level 1 training (complete beginners) INDIVIDUAL TRAINING In adults, there is large variation in the time required to get trainees STATISTICS riding, and also in the ability, requirements and aims of the trainee. 2011-12

Because of this, instructors have some discretion to offer additional free lessons. This can be justified by the fact that these trainees are highly Households: motivated, and in a high proportion of cases these lessons lead 1 occupant: 313 eventually to some form of on-road training. 2+ occupants: 76

Bikeability Level 1 child training usefully brings children to a level where Total number they are capable of participating in schools training. A one-hour lesson is of sessions: usually sufficient to achieve this. Compared with self-taught or parentally 664 taught children, trainees almost always learn more quickly, safely and to a higher standard. Children are less likely to be put off cycling by a fall Total number when taught by professional instructors. of individuals trained: In a few cases where parents want to ride with the child on-road, further training will be offered to teach the child the required skills, and to teach 486 their parents to ride protectively (see 2.4).

Compared to

2010-11:

10% increase in the number of individual sessions

delivered

6% increase in total number of individuals trained

Complete beginners Amran and Basra on the Ealing GP referral scheme at Southall Park

‘I never thought I would learn to ride a bike but I was wrong’ Amran, Ealing GP referral scheme

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2.3 Individual Training cont.

Bikeability Level 1 training (control skills)

Training in bike control skills away from traffic may, for a trainee, follow-on from a Level 1 complete beginner lesson, but in fact all trainees receiving on- road training benefit from this type of session to some degree. Even experienced cyclists often have bad habits, such as failing to cover brake levers, which cannot be overlooked under Bikeability training. For this reason, all on-road training sessions begin with some element of control skills training or assessment.

A one-and-a-half hour lesson is generally more than enough to take a trainee who can already ride to the end of Bikeability Level 1, bringing them to a point where they are ready to go on-road. This type of session can be conducted in small groups (families, siblings etc.)

Where Level 1 training is being given as part of an on-road lesson, it may take as little as 10 minutes to achieve the required observable outcomes if the trainee already has a fair level of riding skill.

‘For many people, once they get the taste for cycling, that’s it. They are hooked. There are so many more people cycling now, friends, colleagues, family. It’s become so much more inclusive.’ Catherine, Ealing

DSC Cycling Instructor

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2.3 Individual Training cont.

Bikeability Level 2 & 3 Training

These on-road lessons may be with trainees from any age group, and are usually delivered on a one-to-one basis. This allows a highly flexible approach to training. Trainees almost always have a specific aim, such as riding to work or to local shops, or being able to cope with a particular road location. When this is the case, training is goal-directed.

This training often deals with journeys that extend beyond the boundaries of Ealing into surrounding boroughs and beyond.

‘I really enjoyed my training and it has given me the confidence to feel safe on the road and where to position myself. I am now cycling to college 3 times a week (10 miles a day) and would not have felt as able to do this without the training’ Kate J, Ealing

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2.4 Families and Small Groups

In addition to improving their own skills, parents may want to learn how to ride protectively when travelling in a family group, or with one or more of their children.

Family members are frequently at very different levels of ability from each other and may therefore require individual training before learning to ride as a group. Additionally, parents may require advice on riding with a

trailer bike or child carrier.

‘Ernest Pang is an excellent teacher. He was really good with my daughters - he got my 6 year-old up and riding her bike in 10 minutes (she simply wouldn't do it for us). For me, someone who hasn't ridden in 30 years, he gave me back the confidence I lacked and taught me skills I don't think I was ever taught.’ Gilly N, Family Riding session

2.5 Parent/Teacher Advice Sessions

Providing a bridge between road-riding ‘Bikeability’ courses run in schools and individual sessions, these one-hour after-school Advice Sessions for parents and teachers are a standard feature of Ealing schools courses.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to bring their bikes to these sessions, so that members of Ealing’s Bicycle Support Team (BST) (see 51 sets of Parent/Teacher 3.1) can check them for road-worthiness and Advice sessions (between undertake adjustments as required. The 1 and 4 at each school) sessions also provide an opportunity to x 167 bikes checked & distribute maps and flyers, and allow BST adjusted members to enrol parents, teachers and x Engaging 836 students (sometimes trainees from the Parents/Teachers associated road-riding course) for Individual Training, Bike Buddying and/or Maintenance Training, (see 2.3, 3.5, 3.7).

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2.6 Effectiveness

In January 2007 Outlook Research completed a report, funded by TfL, for LB Ealing, on research (“Impact of Children’s Cycle Training” Jan 2007) into the impact of children’s cycle training carried out by Cycle Training UK in four (Southwark, Lambeth, Haringey, and Ealing), between September and December 2005. The research aimed to discover the extent to which the training had a measurable effect on cycling behaviour and attitudes towards cycling, and what the key barriers are to children taking part in it. Training was in Years 5 and 6 and to National Standards (now “Bikeability”) primarily up to Level 2. The findings included:

Effects of Training Course x Parents had high expectations of the CTUK courses, and these were largely met. The vast majority of parents and of trainees themselves think that all schoolchildren should take part in similar courses. x Two-thirds of parents have noticed their children cycling more - specifically as a result of taking part in the course. There is some suggestion of modal shift from cars (i.e. children cycling instead of being given a lift) and walking. x One year on, parents are more willing to let their children cycle on quieter roads. Most would not be happy, however, to let their child cycle unaccompanied on main roads, or to cycle to and from school unaccompanied; the courses have had little effect on attitudes in these respects. x Nine in ten trainees feel safer as a result of the course – but only four in ten now feels happier about the idea of cycling on main roads near their house x Children most typically cycle for pleasure rather than as a means of getting from one place to another. x Having children on a CTUK course does not have a measurable effect on parents’ general attitudes towards cycling.

In 2008 Richard Ambler, Msc Transport Planning and Management, Westminster University, researched 'Cycle Training and Modal Shift': Key findings include:

x A third of adults who are cycling more because of the training have replaced car journeys with bicycle journeys. x For every 150 adults trained, 30 adults make a modal shift from driving to cycling. x 37% of children who are cycling more have replaced car journeys with bicycle journeys x For every 256 children trained, 51 children make a modal shift from car to bicycle.

Cycle training has produced a marked increase in cycling with 61% of adults and almost half of children cycling more since training. These results concur with the CTUK (2004), Lambeth (2004) and Ealing (2007) studies which all showed uplift in cycling after training.

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2.6 Effectiveness cont.

Willingness to let children attend CTUK training

x Almost two-thirds of parents would be ‘very keen’ for their child to attend a training course which was organised through their school and included an element of on-road cycling. (This is in addition to 14% who say that their child has already had on- road cycle training). Just less than one in ten say they would be ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ keen on this idea, almost always due to safety concerns.

Inclusiveness of CTUK courses

x Attitudinal differences exist between trainee families and others. CTUK trainees come from families that are a little more favourably disposed to cycling generally (and where parents themselves cycle in London more regularly). x These differences are not large enough, however, to be reflected in significant differences in the demographic profile: income levels, tenure and working status are all similar for trainee families and others - and trainees are a little more likely than average to come from non-white families.

Table showing the increase in school trainees progressing to Level 2 (from Tower Hamlets Schools Cycle Research and Evaluation Study Report February 2012 commissioned by Tower Hamlets and prepared by Steer Davies Gleave)

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2.6 Effectiveness cont.

Statistical analysis of Ealing trainees 2011-12 We ask for feedback from all our trainees to ensure we deliver the best quality of service and to record behaviour and modal shift. Here is an overview of the trainees’ responses.

How often I did cycle

Not stated

Never Less than once per month Less than once per week

1-2 days per week

3-4 days per week 5 or more days per week

How often I now cycle

Not stated Never

Less than once per month

Less than once per week 1-2 days per week 3-4 days per week 5 or more days per week

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2.6 Effectiveness cont.

Statistical analysis of Ealing trainees 2011-12

91% increase in the number of people cycling all year round after

cycle training

See Appendix 6 for additional statistics on riding

style, awareness of other road users, confidence

and overall service.

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2.7 Instructor Training

Ealing’s contracted agency Cycle Training UK (CTUK) is an 15 fully accredited accredited instructor training body. It supports the training and instructors ongoing professional development of its cycling instructors, undergoing including those working within the borough. This increases the ongoing pool of instructors available for the increasing amount of training professional work available, both through LB Ealing's schemes, and also development, from external bodies. employed by CTUK, working in Ealing.

CTUK instructors INSET training on moving large groups

Cycling instructors within the borough have ongoing training. Continuous Professional Development modules include: Mentor Training Special Educational Needs (SEN), Complete Beginner, Managing Risk, Learning through Games and Instructor Maintenance Training.

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3. Bicycle Support Team (BST)

3.1 Policy and scope

The purpose of the BST project is to extend the on-road training programme into local communities and workplaces to provide direct support for existing and potential cyclists. It is a form of active 'direct marketing' promoting utility cycle use.

The BST recognises that individual existing or potential cyclists may have a wide variety of concerns or factors that limit or discourage their increased use of cycling as utility transport. These might include a lack of confidence or skill, unsuitable/inadequate equipment or clothing, disability, or lack of secure cycle parking facilities at home or work. The project therefore relies on face-to-face contact between instructors and recipients to assess their needs on an individual basis. Assistance might simply be referring the recipient to the On- Road Training Programme, or: x Cycle maintenance training x Advice on local bike shops x Help with route planning x Advice on, or help with purchasing equipment or clothing x Subsidising locks or other equipment to enable winter riding in the Keep Riding programme x Assistance with home cycle parking x Special on-road instruction (advanced skills, bike buddying commuter escorts). x Assistance through Dr. Bike cycle health checks x Involvement with community and neighbourhood projects, such as those involving Southall Asian communities via the GP referral scheme and the Southall Women’s Cycle Club

It should be emphasised that Dr. Bikes are not free cycle repairs, but ways of informing people what the problems with their bike are and how they can be fixed, whether through visiting a local bike shop or attending a cycle maintenance session. Emphasis is on the need for the cyclist to become involved with what is or might go wrong with their bicycle. This leads on to discussion about their cycling and assisting them with further development of their cycling activities. In fact Dr. Bike is a principal way of leading actual or potential cyclists into other elements of the DSC programme.

The objective of the BST is to produce regular, confident and thoroughly trained cyclists. We believe the key to success is the use of committed professional instructors operating flexibly to meet the varied needs of specific trainees.

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3.2 Workplace Schemes

To initiate these projects, organisations are identified, and a Dr Bike event is organised and publicised to attract employees. This activity involves cyclists having their bikes checked for road-worthiness, and minor repairs and adjustments carried out. As well as reaching regular cyclists, this often attracts those who have a bike, but rarely use it. These people can frequently be encouraged to accept training and try riding to work.

Cyclists' contact details are taken, and publicity material and cycling maps are distributed. Free on-road training is offered through the normal programme, or in some cases the Bike-Buddies scheme (see 3.5) may be made available where trainees want to start riding to work.

‘The Doctor Bike sessions at Perceval House have proven successful time after time. Hosting these events at the workplace means convenience for our employees and reinforces the Council's commitment to cycle commuting.’ Jo Mortensen, Sustainability Coordinator London Borough of Ealing

'As well as checking over employees’

bikes to make sure they are roadworthy, we can talk to them about their journey to work and give advice on their riding’

James, CTUK Instructor,

Perceval House Dr Bike

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3.3 Dr Bike Events

Regular Dr Bikes Dr Bike events are used to recruit for on-road cycle Acton Market training, and sometimes the Bike Buddy and Keep Ealing Broadway Riding programmes (see 3.5, 3.6). A Dr. Bike event is Town Centre not a simple “getting your bike fixed” occasion. It involves engaging with actual or potential cyclists and Hanwell Clock Tower addressing the barriers to them becoming more Haven Green frequent cyclists. To achieve its full potential a Dr. Bike Melbourne Ave event should be part of an integrated DSC programme. Southall Park Walpole Park Housing estates with high indices of social deprivation Other Dr Bikes have been a focus for the Bicycle Support Team (BST), Dee Court giving real meaning to the phrase 'social inclusion'. As Ealing Police Station well as the usual aims of the BST, community solidarity Perceval House is enhanced through these programmes.

St John’s Church An associated cycle parking programme has been Hanwell Community Centre introduced on three estates (see 4.1). Hanwell Carnival SACA Ride

104 Dr Bike

Sessions

14

Locations

Total number of bikes checked & adjusted:

1,107

59% increase in the

number bikes checked at Dr Bikes compared to 2010-2011

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3.4 Community & Neighbourhood Projects

During school half terms and other holiday periods, public and estate-based Dr. Bike events can act as a focus for all ages. Sometimes associated with larger events organised by the community, the practical skills left behind by such events will be valuable to trainees for life.

Bike fixing and maintenance training form the backbone of such events, drawing residents of estates and the general public to make initial contact with members of the BST. However, many of the skills acquired (methodical thinking, patience, assessment of problems etc.) are life skills not restricted to the world of bicycles.

Generally held outdoors, these projects are highly accessible, encouraging spontaneous visits. Training occurs on an ad hoc basis, but keeping the location constant has proved Community & successful in encouraging repeat visits. Many Neighbourhood Projects cyclists may save paying some of the costs of SACA Ride professional repairs or be less likely to ride their Dee Court bikes in a dangerous condition. promoting new secure bike parking Ease Bike Building Castlebar Sports Field complete beginner taster sessions Agewell on Wheels over 50s training in Gunnersbury Parkin partnership with LCC

Workshops/seminars HGV Cyclist Awareness Training ‘Running Successful Dr Bikes’ Seminar

“...... seeing sheer Credit photography:www.avid-photography.co.uk fascination in the

Sikh Arts and Cultural Association (SACA) annual young people’s eyes

Charity Bike ride takes place from Birmingham to when being shown

London. It was their 22nd year running and the charity how to fix a bike” they supported was WellChild. The ride is promoted Michelle Bailey, Centre throughout Sikh communities in London and Manager, EASE Birmingham, as well as to the general public. See Appendix 4 Bike recycling project with EASE (Empowering Action and Social Esteem) and London Youth. See Appendix 3. 21

3.4 Community & Neighbourhood Projects cont

Engaging with Southall Asian Communities

The Asian communities in Ealing have a lower level of cycling participation than the borough as a whole. DSC aims to undertake outreach activities to all the communities in Southall to try and engage people in cycling sessions. Over the years this has included local grassroots events including: x Local school events in conjunction with Extended Schools Partnership x Specific marketing for Southall residents x A Southall hub at Southall Park with free bike hire for those wanting to train x Regular Dr Bike at Southall Park x Pilot Southall Women’s Cycle Club

In the Southall Woman’s Cycle Club (SWCC) Pilot 12 Ealing women took part in a series of social rides around the local Southall area over a 5 week period. A number of participants were invited from the Ealing GP referral scheme. Most of the group were from ethnic minority groups. The project is one of a series of initiatives to encourage more people from ethnic communities to cycle. Local routes included: Osterley Park, Hanwell and Northala Fields.

DSC continues to work in Southall to change cultural and behavioural patterns with further community projects (in addition to the Ealing GP referral scheme).

‘This was an

excellent opportunity to explore the area I live in and yet

would never have ventured on these routes by myself’ Nadira, Southall

Women’s Cycle Club

Southall Women’s Cycle Club Ride 22

3.4 Community & Neighbourhood Projects cont

Ealing GP Referral Scheme

Ealing Council’s Direct Support for Cycling Team and NHS Ealing launched a cycle training referral scheme pilot for patients over 16 years of age in the Southall area on 10th March 2011. The programme is an ongoing scheme whose aim is to improve patients’ physical and mental wellbeing through a weekly group cycle training programme. The cycle lessons are two hours long and run over a period of 5 weeks. DSC provided the scheme with step through Ridgeback bicycles and, with help from Ealing Parks, established a container in Southall Park for the bicycles. The container has become a very successful cycling hub in the area for this programme and individual training.

To date over 80 trainees have taken part (95% women) with a range of health issues including cancer, arthritis obesity and depression. They have the opportunity,