Redbridge Recycles are open again

We are often asked “where can I get a good second-hand bicycle”, or “what can I do with my old bike?” We are also aware that getting the bike that fits you is so important. This is one of the best local places to buy a second-hand bicycle to suit your needs.

The Salvation Army “Redbridge Recycles” run by volunteers has re-opened. This time it is in Chadwick Road IG1 1EQ. They welcome donations of old bikes/components and will re-fit them for sale to raise funds for their charity work. They are totally dependent on donations and volunteers so if you fancy offering to get involved pop in and see them when next in Ilford. Currently they are only open on Tuesday and Friday 10.00 to 14.00. They do not currently service or repair bikes. Perhaps with more volunteers they may be able to do so in the future.

Email Redbridge Recycles at ilford@salvationarmy.org.uk

Aldersbrook School Bicibus

On Friday morning, 26th April about 200 riders cycled to Aldersbrook School. The weather was kind and groups came from Warren Drive through Wanstead Park, from The Lake House estate to Northumberland Avenue and across Wanstead Flats from Forest Gate. Parents cycled with the youngest children and some of the older children cycled independently.

This event was to promote a national scheme to encourage groups to get together and organise group cycling to school. Read more about the initiative here.  RCC fully support this initiative as it offers a safe and sustainable way of travelling to and from school. Apart from the obvious reduction in school run car journeys, it encourages and supports child autonomy and promotes healthy habits.

Thumbs up to Aldersbrook School and Ride for their Lives who organised this event.

RCC’s Rides Co-ordinator Receives Mayoral Award

Haydn receives the award from Redbridge Mayor Jyotsna Islam. Picture: Ilford Recorder/Sandra Rowse

Redbridge Cycling Campaign’s rides co-ordinator Haydn Powell accepted the Mayor of Redbridge’s Community Award at this year’s awards ceremony in Ilford Town Hall.

Haydn has worked assiduously to build up a great repertoire of family-friendly cycle rides and an enthusiastic team of ride leaders and marshals.

The award was made to Haydn for the work done by RCC in Redbridge to improve cycle infrastructure and encourage local people to get on their bikes and enjoy the freedom and health benefits of cycling.

Haydn said: Throughout the summer months, RCC lead sociable rides which attract cyclists of all abilities on visits to places of interest in east London, occasionally roaming to other parts of London and Essex . The RCC committee works with Redbridge Council and other cycling groups to improve safety for cyclists. The committee is always looking for new members, so if you have an interest in cycling do try to attend the AGM scheduled for 7.30pm on Tuesday April 16th on Teams.

Congratulations to Haydn and his team.

In London, less than 1 in 3 cycle trips are made by women.  In the Netherlands, it’s over half.

A few weeks ago, the London Cycling Campaign released a report into women and cycling.  You can find it here.  It is very readable.  Here is one of the report’s key findings:

It is why here in Redbridge we keep pushing the Council to plan for, bid for and build cycle infrastructure in our Borough. 

As part of its campaign to improve things, LCC has organised a Women’s Freedom Ride in central London this weekend.  RCC is running a feeder ride to the main event.  To register for the ride from Redbridge, or just for the main ride in central London if you plan to make your own way there, visit the rides page here.  

LCC has also organised a petition calling on Sadiq Khan to make things safer for women who cycle and to create safe local networks for cycling. You can find out more and sign the petition – if you want to – here.  LCC is aiming for 10,000 signatures.  We are halfway there.