At the start of 2021, we launched Wheels4Me, a cycle hire scheme with the long-term ambition of giving all Londoners the opportunity to hire an adapted cycle.
Tony recently hired a Raleigh Felix, an e-bike which recently joined the Wheels for Wellbeing fleet thanks to some Sport England and Lottery funding.
How long have you been a cycling instructor with Wheels for Wellbeing?
At least 10 years! I was with Cycling For All before Wheels For Wellbeing took over, working with Jim who is a volunteer at Croydon Sports Arena. Jim’s the only person at Wheels who has been here longer than me!
I came along as a volunteer after doing a cycling instructor training course – I wanted to help people and it was easy to see the benefits of cycling. It’s so good for cardiovascular health and mental health.
I was amazed at the number and variety of bikes Wheels had even back then, and I could see the potential for helping people to get cycling. It’s so nice to see someone get on a bike for the first time and see the smile on their face when they start riding.
People often say they can’t cycle but 99% of the time that’s rubbish! Anyone can cycle in some form or other.
Of course we have a lot more bikes and trikes now, and the health benefits are especially important right now in the time of Covid because you’re out in the fresh air.
What made you decide to go electric?
Mainly because of my age, I’m getting older and need help getting up hills. I used to run marathons but the knees aren’t so good any more. So I gave up running and started cycling. I tried an electric bike and loved it. It allows me to carry on cycling without all the hard work. So, I get all the pleasure and the exercise without the strain, I hate hills! They’re also really good fun! So when my other e-bike was damaged, I rented this one until it could be fixed.
How long is your commute?
I cycle from Thornton Heath to Hyde Park Corner which is roughly 9 miles. I don’t do it every day but at the moment it’s about four times a week- it depends on the weather. Of course I also cycle to the Croydon Sports Arena cycling session once a week.
If I didn’t have the e-bike I’d take the train and a bus and then walk the rest of the way to work. The benefit of cycling is that I’m in the open air and not in contact with people on crowded trains and buses. Plus, I’ve read somewhere that if you cycle on a regular basis your fitness levels will match someone ten years younger!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about hiring or buy an e-bike or trike?
The first thing is to think about is what you want to use the bike for. It’s easy to get carried away in a bike shop looking at shiny new mountain bikes, but that’s not what you might need in the city. First think about the frame, the best thing about the Felix is that it is a “step through” bike so you don’t have to kick your leg over the crossbar. A good city bike will already have the accessories you need: lights, a rack, good tyres for tarmac and also potholes.
If you would like to know more about hiring an e-bike, please visit https://cyclingforall.org/wheels4me-london-cycle-hire/ or email wheels4me@cyclingforall.org.