FREE WHEELING

Since lockdown, growing numbers of Londoners are getting about by bike. We spoke to a local resident to find out why she has swapped four wheels for two

Lori McGuire is 60 this year. A Dollis Hill resident, Lori loves visiting Queens Park at the weekend and before the pandemic she would drive to get there.

In fact, until recently, Lori hadn’t been on a bicycle for forty years. “I was always a little bit anxious about cycling in

London,” she says, “but as we went into lockdown I noticed how quiet it was on the roads”. Her employer had a cycle to work scheme and she put herself on a waiting list for a bike.

“As a driver I know all the road rules, but it’s different as a cyclist, so I wanted somebody to come out with me to help me feel confident on the road”. When her bike arrived, Lori booked a two-hour

session with a cycle instructor. They went through hand signals, posture and then they cycled to Queens Park for the first time, together. The instructor showed Lori quieter roads to take so she feels more comfortable.

Now Lori cycles that route on Sundays, rather than driving. As cycling at a moderate speed burns almost 300 calories in 30 minutes it is a great way to fit in more exercise into your weekly routine. Lori also nods to the psychological benefits. “There’s a great sense of freedom with cycling, it’s fun being out there.”

So what is Lori’s advice to anyone thinking about giving a bike a go? “Do it! Don’t overthink it, but, if it has been a while, maybe get a lesson or go out with somebody who’s already a cyclist.”

Discounts and help to get cycling in Brent

GET A FREE 1-1 SESSION WITH A CYCLE INSTRUCTOR. APPLY F OR A BIKE PARKING SPACE IN ONE OF OUR CYCLE HANGARS. TRY BEFORE YOU BIKE LETS YOU TEST-RIDE A BIKE FOR A MONTH FROM JUST £50 (FREE DELIVERY AND PICK UP). WWW .BRENT.GOV.UK/CYCLING LIME BIKES CAN BE RENTED AROUND THE BOROUGH. DOWNLOAD THE APP T O GET STARTED.