The idea
Together, Side by Side enables up to three people to cycle together with a trained 'pilot' on a 4-seater side by side cycle. Everyone can pedal if they wish.
Together, Side by Side is for people living in the West London Boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westmister and Ealing.
Together, Side by Side is an evolution of the original (SpaceHive funded) Ride Side by Side project. Many people who will use this service will be people who have not been out for months due to Covid-19 lock-down. They will benefit from the exercise and the opportunity to socialise .
Together, Side by Side will follow physical distancing guidance ensuring people are protected. The cycle will be be cleaned between each use and all riders will wear protective shields.
People book a slot to ride for 1.5 hours with family and friends. Organisations such as community groups and care homes can book taster sessions.
Get exercise, shop, visit or just explore with Together, Side by Side
What we'll deliver
- Buy a side by side cycle to carry 4 people
- Take people riding for 50 half-days
- Create flyers, posters and make films showcasing the project
- Research the effect on people's health, well-being and happiness
Why it's a great idea
Older people, people with issues of mobility, or sensory impairment may not get the minimum recommended weekly exercise. Together, Side by Side will help them exercise.
Cycling is known for improved health and wellbeing outcomes, and improving mental health. This is particularly important at this time with many people in the target group being shielded or isolated during the epidemic. The project will enable people to get out while maintaining their safety.
People who rely on taxis, driving, and Dial-a-Ride to make necessary trips can book this free service to make trips so this will help with people's mobility.
Improving air quality and reducing carbon has become even more urgent. Together Side by Side can contribute to a reduction in trips in motor vehicles.
Finally the visibility of people least likely to cycle getting about on side by side cycles send a powerful visual message that its possible to do things differently and better
Steps to get it done
- Buy a Side by Side Cycle
- Deliver an Employment and Skills course to 8 people
- Offer the service for 48 half days taking up to 6 people riding each session
- Monitor participants benefits from the use of the service
Together, Side by Side is a revision of Bikeworks original Side by Side project that was funded through SpaceHive. Backers of the original project are aware that the funding was repurposed to deliver food, medicine and testing kits to the people who would have been using Ride Side by Side. The large backers were happy for Bikeworks to use the original funding for Covid -19 support.
As we come out of lock-down getting people out and about in a low risk manner, with all the benefits this brings is even more important
