Pedal4Health set to extend their free cycling scheme across the borough
MERTON cycling project Pedal4Health have been awarded a new base and £1500 to help keep residents fit and healthy.
Thanks to Play Sport London and Merton council, Pedal4Health are able to extend the success of their free cycling scheme across the borough, from early next year.
The council have offered project leader Fred Ellis, two venues for the project and the Play Sport funding will allow Pedal4Health to provide free bike hire for the courses.
Fred said: “I am delighted that this community cycling project can cast it’s net even wider now.
“Cycling is a fun way to keep fit. Plus, it’s cheap and environmentally friendly!”
Pedal4Health already run the Wheel Thing scheme in Wandsworth, offering free cycling tuition and bike hire for families.
There will be 12 spaces available each Saturday morning on the six-week courses which aim to help families be more active and combat obesity.
The Wheel Thing began as a joint cycling project, offered by ex-NHS employee Fred and his team, and Wandsworth Primary Care Trust.
Following the success of the Wandsworth scheme Fred was asked by Merton PCT to run a similar project in Merton.
Cycling fanatic Fred says he is very happy to still be working will the NHS via the Primary Care Trusts and is incredibly grateful for all the funding support his project is given.
A Comic Relief grant of £10,000 awarded earlier this year will pay for the team of dedicated cycling instructors.
Fred’s team has offered cycling tuition, led rides, exercise advice, activities and road safety for Merton adults and children over the past 2 years in various projects.
Pedal4Health attended Merton’s Change4Life event in Morden Park on August Bank Holiday, where visitors were able to ride a range of bikes, including a Penny Farthing and a three-wheeler.
