Grab A Chance For Euro Cycling Glory

Help London become bicycle capital of Europe next month

Hounslow residents have been offered a chance to help London become the bicycle capital of Europe next month. 

Hounslow, along with west London neighbours Ealing, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham and Harrow, and Lewisham council, have been chosen to represent London and the country in the European Cycling Challenge 2013. 

The contest is a mileage challenge in which cyclists track the distance they travel by bicycle for one month.  

The city whose residents and employees log the most cycle miles during May 2013 will be crowned the most sustainable and active cycling city in Europe. .

Councillor Colin Ellar , cabinet member for environment, said: “Hounslow is home to some of the capital’s most enthusiastic cyclists . This is a great chance for any budding Bradley Wiggins out there to grab a chance of European glory for themselves.” 

All employees and residents in West London are eligible to enter. Everyone is encouraged to participate, whether they are a regular cyclist, an infrequent cyclist or totally new to cycling. By joining the challenge, participants will receive a free smartphone app which will log and track their cycling miles. 

To find out more visit www.ecc2013.net or follow @WestLondonECC on Twitter. 

And there is more on offer for cyclists in Hounslow this spring: 

• Hounslow Led Rides Programme: Beginner cyclists and families are welcome to join a series of leisurely cycle rides to explore the borough. The next ride takes place on Saturday 11 May and will explore the heritage of Brentford and Isleworth. Participants need to meet from 1.45pm in Market Place, Brentford, for a 2pm departure. The ride will take between 1½ - 2 hours. To ensure your place on the ride or for more information , please e-mail Hounslow@lcc.org.uk or call 020 7234 9310 . 

• A free bike service and one-to-one cycle lesson is available for residents who would like to start cycling. If residents require further lessons after their first one, subsidised group sessions take place in Lampton Park every fortnight. To take up the offer of a free one-to-one cycle lesson, email Travelactive@hounslow.gov.uk  

• For more experienced cyclists, there is a London to Oxford Charity Bike Ride on Sunday 7July, departing from Syon Park. This will be in aid of the homeless charity St Mungo’s, and entrance will cost £18.50. Sign up online at www.bike-events.co.uk or by calling 0845 4601342.

And Hounslow will be host to the summer’s must see cycling event – RideLondon in August : www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk.

To find out more about cycling in the borough, visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/cycling

April 26, 2013