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For
eight weeks the rides will depart
at 8am from six different locations
around the capital, providing a useful
service for riders who need a little
extra support to start cycling to
work.
Those joining the rides will be greeted
by ride marshals from the London Cycling
Campaign and will be given a basic
bike check and relevant TfL cycle
maps before getting on the road. Additional
drop-off points can be agreed so that
riders can get as close to their destination
as possible.
The first Cycle Friday will take place
on Friday 14 August, and will continue
every Friday until 2 October.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
“ Whether it's Monday, Wednesday,
or Sunday I tend to go by bike but,
although it is safe and getting safer,
I fully appreciate that some people
find it a little daunting at first.
“Cycle Fridays are a brilliantly
simple way of giving thousands of
commuters the confidence to get cycling.
I’m sure that when they see how
much of a fun, healthy and convenient
experience it can be they will be
hooked.”
Ben Plowden, Director of Integrated
Programmes, TfL said: “Cycling
is a great way to get around London,
but getting started can be intimidating.
Cycle Fridays are one of the ways
TfL is working with London’s
cyclists to help people to start –
and keep - cycling in London. For
everything you need to cycle in London,
from finding out more about Cycle
Fridays to ordering free cycling maps
and booking free cycle training, go
to www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling.”
Koy Thomson, Chief Executive of London
Cycling Campaign, said: “We know
that a third of Londoners own a bike
and many want to cycle more. But force
of habit, particularly with commuting,
stops them switching to the faster,
cheaper alternative. Cycle Fridays
will help people break old habits
and exercise their choice to cycle”
The initiative is part of a summer
of cycling in capital, designed to
boost the numbers going by bike. There
has been a nine per cent increase
in those pedalling on London’s
major roads over the last year, but
the Mayor and TfL are seeking to go
further – aiming at a 400 per
cent increase by 2025.
To find out more about Cycle Friday’s
visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling
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