Typical bike racks offer little space for more specialised disability custom bikes.
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New Transport for London statistics show that those in non-white and mixed-race communities are less likely to cycle, walk or commute to work.
The latest figures show just one in four people from non-white or mixed backgrounds cycled at least once in 2017/18, compared to 37 per cent of people from white backgrounds. Whilst 40% of the white population commuted by bike at least once in 2017/18, just 15% from non-white or mixed backgrounds had cycled.
In 2017 the Mayor set out plans to improve air quality in the capital, aiming to increase walking, cycling and public transport to 80% of journeys by 2041. This has led to a series of grants awarded by the Mayor to bidding campaigns.
The winning projects are spread widely across London’s boroughs. They range from bike maintenance projects for local youth to projects to expand the less able bodied access to cycling. Some schemes even introduce cycling altogether to displaced groups.
Wheels for Wellbeing is one of the initiatives benefiting from the latest round of grants. They traditionally work with disabled groups to subsidise the cost of their custom bikes and encourage their use. This round they are focusing on Syrian Refugees in Lewisham.
Manager Isabelle Clement said:
“We’re hoping to provide a safe space for their community to exercise together and really rediscover the benefits of cycling.”
Though Wheels for Wellbeing provides access for the disabled community, the new figures will bring attention to the new ethnicity-based schemes.
Whilst the grants are being touted as great step forward, the environmental message clearly has some distance to travel in the capital.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineTFL: Non-White and Mixed-Race are Less Likely to Cycle
Short HeadlineNew Figures: London Minorities Cycle Less
StandfirstThirty worthy initiatives are receiving Transport for London grants to open up cycling in London
New Transport for London statistics show that those in non-white and mixed-race communities are less likely to cycle, walk or commute to work.
The latest figures show just one in four people from non-white or mixed backgrounds cycled at least once in 2017/18, compared to 37 per cent of people from white backgrounds. Whilst 40% of the white population commuted by bike at least once in 2017/18, just 15% from non-white or mixed backgrounds had cycled.
In 2017 the Mayor set out plans to improve air quality in the capital, aiming to increase walking, cycling and public transport to 80% of journeys by 2041. This has led to a series of grants awarded by the Mayor to bidding campaigns.
The winning projects are spread widely across London’s boroughs. They range from bike maintenance projects for local youth to projects to expand the less able bodied access to cycling. Some schemes even introduce cycling altogether to displaced groups.
Wheels for Wellbeing is one of the initiatives benefiting from the latest round of grants. They traditionally work with disabled groups to subsidise the cost of their custom bikes and encourage their use. This round they are focusing on Syrian Refugees in Lewisham.
Manager Isabelle Clement said:
“We’re hoping to provide a safe space for their community to exercise together and really rediscover the benefits of cycling.”
Though Wheels for Wellbeing provides access for the disabled community, the new figures will bring attention to the new ethnicity-based schemes.
Whilst the grants are being touted as great step forward, the environmental message clearly has some distance to travel in the capital.
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