Wandsworth Family-Friendly April Bike Ride

GIVE YOUR CYCLING CONFIDENCE A FUN SPRING BOOST

Join us on Sunday 27 April 2025 for another of our fun-packed family-friendly rides! Designed with all ages and cycling abilities in mind, this easy-paced and short ride will take you along quiet roads and traffic-free routes.

The ride starts and ends at Battersea Park.  We will meet on the perimeter cycle path near Pier Point Cafe and toward the northeast corner of the park.  There

We are designing a fun-filled route of less than ten miles which will include a stop for a drink and a snack.  We will share the ride details when they are ready.

Organised by Wandsworth Cycling Campaign, invite your friends, neighbours and family, and maybe even discover a few new routes on this smile-tastic ride through the borough!

All participants need to be registered here to take part, so reserve your spot now (NB: please book one space for every rider so we know how many people to expect) and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and Twitter for more updates in the run-up to the ride or to keep up to date on other Wandsworth activity. And see the FAQ section below for more information about the ride, and what you might need to know before the event.

GENERAL RIDE FAQS / INFORMATION:

• How easy is the ride? This will be an easy and enjoyable route, ridden at a leisurely group pace. Designed to be suitable for younger and less experienced cyclists, the circular route is just being finalised but likely to be a very manageable 5-10 miles. The route includes one hill which we will take at a gentle pace, stopping when we need.
• Are children welcome? Accompanied children (under 18) and vulnerable adults with a carer are very welcome to join us. Whilst as much of the ride as possible is on quieter roads, it will include some roads that may have other traffic, so please keep on the right-hand side of your children.
• What ages is the ride suitable for? Note that, as the ride is not entirely on cycle lanes, it may not be suitable for very young children and we would recommend that any children under 5 riding solo (with a parent) are experienced cyclists.
• How can I build my cycling skills before the ride? Wandsworth Council offers fully-subsidised Cycle Skills training for adults and families to help you gain confidence (more info here)
• What should I wear? Please wear whatever you feel comfortable riding in, keeping an eye on the weather forecast to determine whether you should bring a waterproof jacket, sun tan lotion, etc. It is your choice whether you would like to wear a bike helmet or high-vis clothing – we do not insist on either to join the ride.
• Is my cycle suitable? We test our rides with a range of bicycles, including cargo and Brompton bikes, to make it as inclusive as possible. If you’re in any doubt about the suitability or roadworthiness of your bike, take your bike along to a local bike shop before the ride. Before joining the ride, see http://lcc.org.uk/advice/bike-safety-check/
• What should I bring? Some of the basic equipment you may wish to consider bringing on the ride include lights, drinks and snacks, a little money if you wish to buy refreshments at the cafe stop, plus a bike lock if you plan to take advantage of the park after the ride. You might also want to bring a spare inner tube and/or a bike pump if you have one.
• How can I keep up momentum after the ride and keep building my cycle confidence? Wandsworth Cycling Campaign offers cycling 1:1s to help you plot local routes and feel more confident about using a bike for short journeys, whether to work, shops or school via the LCC Cycle Buddies scheme. We also have lots of cycle-related information and links on the London Cycling Campaign website, from our top tips to handy tools to help you plan your next cycle route.
• How do group rides work? Our rides are always planned and led by a qualified ride leader, and accompanied by experienced marshals to help keep the group together, where possible, and cross junctions safely with minimal disruption to fellow road users. Ride leaders are experienced Wandsworth Cycling Campaign members and where we can we include qualified mechanics, first aiders and cycling instructors. With the ride leader at the front directing the ride, we ensure there is a marshal at the back of the group, ensuring no one gets left behind.
• Will any photos be taken? This event will be photographed and the images used afterwards to promote London Cycling Campaign (of which we’re the local group) and our charitable work. If you would like to opt-out of photography for you or your children, please speak to a member of the ride team (wearing a fluorescent tabard) on the day.

INDIVIDUAL RIDERS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR:

• Checking the information given for the ride so you can judge that you are capable of completing the ride, and carrying any refreshments or bike equipment you might need
• Listening to and following ride leader and marshal instructions, including informing the ride leader if you have any medical conditions it might be important we know about plus a marshal if you leave the ride midway (so we know not to look for you!)
• The road-worthiness of your bike. NB: See helpful advice on how to do this on lcc.org.uk/advice/bike-safety-check/
• Your own personal safety on the road, and the safety of any children or vulnerable adults with you, including complying with the Highway Code
• Any loss or damage caused (eg: scratching the paint on a parked car) NB: If you are an LCC member your membership includes third party insurance which would cover this.

If you have any other questions before the event or need to cancel your booking, contact us at wandworth@lcc.org.uk.