Scared Of Getting Back In The Saddle !

Scared Of Getting Back In The Saddle ?

Cycling courses for nervous parents and children

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While both the Mayor of London and Hounslow Council are eager for more people to cycle, one of the major drawbacks is that people are nervous to go on busy roads, particularly parents, who are concerned that their children may be injured.

Now cycling courses for nervous parents and children have been set up by a local cycle group, with funding from Hounslow Council, and the idea has really caught on.

The course is called Back in The Saddle and the first one, starting on 15th September is already booked up - The council is now taking reservations for the next one. Each course consists of 4 lessons and participants should do all 4. The first 2 are adults alone, the second 2 are adults with kids. Each session lasts 2 hours

As the name of the course implies, "Back in the Saddle", it is targeted at adults who are inexperienced or lacking confidence cycling and the first two sessions will address this.
Then, for the third and fourth sessions, the adults bring their children along with them and these sessions cover riding for parents and children together. The sessions will be in Chiswick and free of charge.

Philippa Robb cyclist trainer

There are two trainers, led by Philippa Robb, (pictured above). Philippa explains, "I have delivered Bikeabilty at all levels and to all age groups since the summer of 2008, so this is my 11th year. I have done everyone from primary schools through to old ladies and including around 2000 lorry and double-decker bus drivers. My current project is running the Social Cycling Programme for RBKC, for which we have won two national awards (Modeshift from TfL in 2016 and Bikeabilty Best Scheme from the DfT in 2018). Very much looking forward to delivering Back in the Saddle which I'm sure will be great fun and a real success!

She will be accompanied by Derek Mullan, an experienced trainer from Brentford. Hounslow Cycling Group is e offering these classes which aim to encourage parents to get back on their bikes and start cycling with their kids.

Would-be participants are encouraged to get in touch and sign up for the next course (date to be confirmed) as soon as possible: training@Hounslowcycling.org.

The idea came about when Hounslow Cycling Campaign was approached by a parent from St Mary's RC school a few months ago enquiring whether HCC could help get more parents and kids cycling. Hounslow Cycling Campaign agreed and successfully applied for the funding from Hounslow Council and from Southfield Ward in Ealing.

September 6, 2018