There are over 8,000 cyclists living and working in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). Earlier this year RBKC council launched its Bikeminded campaign to raise awareness and promote cycling in the borough. We spoke to Kathryn King, Road Safety and Travel Plan Manager about the campaign.
Tell us a bit about the Bikeminded campaign?
Bikeminded is a new campaign launched this summer to encourage more people living or working in the Royal Borough to take up cycling to boost their well-being and improve the local environment. Bikeminded is a three-year campaign funded by a European programme to reduce carbon emissions.
The Royal Borough joins five cities who are also participating in the campaign, including Parma, Gothenburg, Riga, Budapest and Eindhoven. Bikeminded introduces people to the benefits and pleasure of cycling though a series of exciting events and activities.
What do you hope to achieve?
We aim to increase awareness amongst local residents of just how good cycling is. It's the fastest way to get around London, is great for keeping in shape and most importantly, it's fun!
What are the future plans for the campaign?
We are working with local retailers to promote cycle style next year, and are planning to run some more themed tours, including a music tour in early spring, and we have some other surprises up our sleeve!
What top three tips would you give readers thinking about starting cycling in the borough?
Firstly, make sure you buy the right bike for you. We have some tips on the Bikeminded website about types of bikes available, but I'd recommend spending some time researching to make sure you get a bike you really love to ride.
Secondly, if you haven't cycled in awhile then book a cycle training session. We offer free training to anyone living or working in the Royal Borough and I'd highly recommend it as a way of boosting your confidence on the road, as well as getting tips from our expert trainers about the best routes around the Borough.
And thirdly, get out and explore the borough's beautiful off road routes as a way to ease you gently into cycling. Try hiring a Boris bike and taking it around Kensington Gardens, along the Chelsea Embankment pavements or along the Grand Union Canal.
What are you favourite cycle routes?
I love to cycle through Hyde Park into Central London. It's so much easier and nicer than taking the tube. The back streets of Kensington and Notting Hill are also a fantastic way to explore the borough and see so much more than you would on a bus or walking.
What are you favourite shops in the borough?
I love all the boutiques around Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road, although often its only window shopping unfortunately. I also love to browse the antique shops and different ethnic shops on Golborne Road.
What bike are you riding and what was your first?
I had a bright red Raleigh for my first bike and am now riding a beautiful Electra Townie which is a proper sit up bike.
How and when did you learn to cycle?
I was a bit late to cycling as I'm from a very hilly forest area in New Zealand where cycling wasn't very easy.
So I learnt properly when I lived in Holland for a year as a high school student. I was about 15 and it was terrifying at first! But cycling over there is very well catered for and there were plenty of cycle lanes for beginners like me. The Dutch did think it unbelievable that I couldn't ride a bike though by that age.
Are there any more cycle tours planned for Bikeminded?
Yes! Our tours have been super popular so we'll definitely be running more.
As a cake lover, I'm already planning some more cake tours for Spring. They're a great way to discover some independent cake makers around the borough, and burn off all the calories from the cakes which is a bonus. We'd also like to show off the Borough's amazing heritage so we're planning some fun music and art tours.
How can readers find out more information?
They can go to the Bikeminded website, where we update the blog daily with useful tips about cycling as well as fun interviews and videos. We are also on Facebook and Twitter so do come and join us.
Who is your cycle hero?
I'm a big fan of Mikael Colville-Andersen who writes the fantastic Copehagen Cycle Chic blog. He photographs stylish cyclists from around the world and shows that we can all look fabulous whilst cycling.
What are your tips on how to take care of your bike, and safety, for the winter?
The biggest issue in London is the rain. Water and metal don't mix, so make sure you oil your chain often.
Also check that your brakes are working properly and that your tyres are inflated, which will make cycling easier. Cycling in the wet means longer stopping times so it's important that your brakes are up to the job.
Finally, a lesson learnt the hard way is to avoid puddles. It might seem like a fun idea to splash through a puddle, but that puddle could be hiding a pothole or drain cover which is not fun to ride into!
For more information visit the Bikeminded website.
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