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Wellbeing Wednesday - Let's Go Car Free

Let’s Go Car Free 

Whether it is by foot, bike or scooter, travelling to school without your car is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health. By swapping a short drive for a short walk or cycle, you can reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger – whilst saving yourself some money and getting active in the process. 
 
Bikeworks
 
We have previously shared ‘Living Streets’ walking initiatives with you but wanted to raise awareness of the cycling programmes being offered by Hammersmith & Fulham as our CM are taking part in Bikeworks over the next few weeks. This is a free group cycle training that is offered in school to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils in the borough. 
 
Family Cycle Training
 
In addition to this, the borough also offers free cycle training and bike maintenance for adults and families – if you live, work or study in the borough you can participate in a group, individual and family cycle training. Everyone is welcome to attend, they also offer after work rides from 5-7pm.
 
Free Online Cycle Skills Course
 
Whether you are new to cycling or just want to brush up on your skills, Transport for London’s free online Cycle Skills Course provides easy to follow tips and advice to get you going. There are 4 short modules to try and if you complete all 4 modules, you will receive a unique 15% discount code so that you can save on Halfords own brand cycle lights, locks and helmets. 
 
Try Before you Bike
 
If you want to try a bike before you buy a bike you can explore this through ‘My Wheels’ website. The council are working with this company and are offering a try before you buy scheme. If you are interested in buying a bike but not sure you will like it, you are able to hire a new bike for £30 a month.
 
All the above information can be found on the following link:
 
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/transport-and-roads/cycling/cycle-training-and-maintenance
 
“We want to double the number of journeys in the borough being made by bicycle. So free training sessions like the ones we are offering are vital in giving people the confidence to get on a bike for the very first time, or the first time in a long time. Getting more of the borough cycling, is a key part of our aim to tackle the clime and ecological emergency, while helping residents keep active and improving air quality.” Councillor Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment.

It is recommended that children take part in 60 minutes minimum of physical activity per day; walking and cycling helps to achieve this goal. We want to inspire our children to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely. This supports everyone's wellbeing, helps reduce congestion at the school gates and improve road safety and air quality. 

Best wishes, 

Mrs Getty.