Leytonstone Bike Buddies

We have an emerging network of new cycle lanes in Leytonstone and the surrounding areas. We’ve teamed up with Transition Leytonstone to help new or returning cyclists get the most from cycling by linking them up with more experienced cyclists.

Are you new to the area, new to cycling, or thinking of taking up cycling again? Would you like a cycling ‘buddy’ to show you the new cycle lanes and quiet routes in between? They could take you, perhaps with a friend, around the network in Leytonstone and beyond – maybe to the Olympic Park, Walthamstow Wetlands, or even central London!

We’re also looking for experienced cyclists in the area to volunteer to buddy up.

Are you an experienced cyclist who would be willing to act as a ‘buddy’ to one or two people who would like to be shown round the network of new cycle lanes and quiet routes? Help them find route to the places they want to go and negotiate the gaps in the network, both within and outside the borough.

Read on to find out how to get involved.

Ambitious and aspiring cyclists!

If you would like a bike buddy please join either the Whatsapp or Facebook group (see below) and post your level of experience, when you’d like to go on a ride and if there’s a particular journey you’d like help with.

We can also put you in contact with qualified cycling instructors for free one-to-one training funded by the council, which is a brilliant way to get started if you haven’t cycled in a while or are new to cycling.

The rides work by joining up new cyclists with experienced cyclists willing to help – feel free to bring a friend along with you.

You’ll agree the route you want to take and then arrange to meet at a convenient location – maybe outside the local shops. We hope the ride goes well and afterwards please let us know your feedback.

Volunteer bike buddies

You should be an experienced cyclist confident navigating the roads and leading others. We recommend bikeability level 3, or equivalent, and can get you free cycle training if you want it.

We suggest you come along on a ride before you buddy up so you can see how it works and ask questions – it’s currently a learning process and any feedback is welcome.

The next step is to join either the Whatsapp or Facebook group (see below) and let people know when you’re able to volunteer.

Join up!

Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeytonstoneBB/

Join the Whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G6u7gdY12aS0PkNL3uEyfY

 

Important information

The rides are self-organised and run by the participants. 

Act responsibly, and let us know if anything isn’t right.

These rides are not suitable for unaccompanied children or unaccompanied vulnerable adults.

If you are unsure about any of this, or would like advice, please get in touch.

Advertisements

September Rides & Events in Waltham Forest

Henry Moore at Perry Green, copyright by The Henry Moore Foundation

Sunday 1 September – 10am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
The E11 Ride to Perry Green’s Henry Moore Museum
This will be train-assisted so bring your Oyster or rail card.
Meet outside McDonald’s in Leytonstone High Street E11 for 10am departure. If you have questions, call Dwight on 07973 131429.

 

 

Sunday 1 September  – 11am, The Mill, Coppermill Lane, E17
The Sunday Cycle
Meet outside The Mill in Coppermill Lane at 11am. Return c. 3pm. If you have questions, email “Art Catcher” Katja (katjarosenberg@hotmail.com).

Wednesday 4 September – 6:30pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Bridget’s Evening Ride
Join Bridget for an hour’s relaxing riding around the borough, with an optional pub or café settle-down at the end. Bring your lights as you will need them before the end of the ride!

Saturday 7 September – 11am, Walthamstow Town Square OR 12pm, Lincoln’s Inn Fields
(Feeder ride to) the Stop Killing Cyclists’ National Funeral for the Unknown Cyclist
Join Nic at 11 if you are travelling from Waltham Forest, or join everyone else in Lincoln’s Inn Fields for noon. However you wish to make your way, please come and show your support for more the only way London can become livable and sustainable: not the electric-car greenwash, but a city looking after its most environmentally-neutral travellers: those on foot and on bikes. In partnership with Extinction Rebellion!

 

Saturday 7 September – 12-5pm, View Tube, The Greenway, Marshgate Lane, Stratford E15 2PJ
Newham Cyclists’ Brewery Ride (South)
Bill’s venture south of the river to explore the breweries of Bermondsey and beyond was so successful that we’re doing it again (no doubt with new breweries). Details nearer the time, but booking will be essential. Over 18’s only.

 

Sunday 8 September – 1pm, Orford Rd / Church Lane by the Ancient House E17
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Open Spaces Ride
A relaxed and enjoyable afternoon travelling by bicycle and exploring the nooks and crannies in and around our borough. Frisbees sometimes materialise when we hit a suitable open space.
We aim to stop off at a café at about half time, but we recommend you bring a snack and some water.

Sunday 15 September – 9:30am, Leytonstone Station Cafe
Newham Cyclists’ Essex Lanes Ride
Taking the Central Line to Epping – bring your Oyster or contactless card.

Sunday 15 September – 10:30am, Walthamstow Town Square
Take the Peaceful Route with Nic
We are very happy to announce that after several months’ out of service, Nic is back in the saddle, ready to charge!
Meet from about 10:30 for an 11 o’clock start outside Walthamstow Library / Farmers’ Market.
Join Nic for the peaceful ride over mixed surfaces (be ready for a bit of mud!). The destination and direction of the ride will be discussed at the start and will account for wind speed and direction and may be train-assisted – so take your Oyster or contactless debit card with you.

Sunday 15 September – 2pm, Walthamstow Village Square
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Newcomers Ride
This ride around the quiet streets in Walthamstow Village is intended for those new to cycling, including families with young children, and will especially appeal to those who don’t have the stamina or confidence for our longer ‘Open Spaces’ excursions on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Basic skills are necessary: please make sure you are able to pedal and balance, turn corners, and brake to a halt .. all without falling off! If you are not confident about your basic skills, then we can recommend the council’s free cycle training.
We’ll keep together as a group and ‘top and tail’ the ride with marshalls, with an experienced ride leader at the front, and an expert marshall at the back to keep cars out of our convoy. We also have at least one other marshall who cycles on the right hand side of the group to help out with junctions etc.
We meet at 2pm in Walthamstow Village Square at the junction of Eden Road and Orford Road (for a map click here). We finish at the Square around 3:30pm.

Friday 22 September – 10:30am for 11am start, St John’s Church Park, Fair St, London SE1 2AJ
Global Climate Strike
Not exactly Waltham Forest related but worth attending if you are in town and can make the time!

Sunday 22 September – 10:30am, Walthamstow Town Square
WFCycling Car Free Day & Open House Ride
Our monthly gentle-paced social ride, never more than 30 miles.
Bring drink, but we will stop for lunch along the way. Please bring your Oyster card or contactless debit card for use on public transport.
Meet at 10:15 outside Walthamstow Library, for a departure by 10:30. We are usually back by 3-4pm.

Sunday 22 September – time TBC, Stratford Gyratory
Newham Cyclists’ Car Free Day Ride
Details TBC.

Sunday 22 September – 2-4pm, Walthamstow Village Square
Car Free Day Kiddical Mass
We will visit the car free section of Hoe Street, before heading off to relax in Lloyd Park, returning to Walthamstow Village by 4pm. This marshaled short ride is especially suited to families with younger children, and may also appeal to adults who have recently started to cycle.

Sunday 29 September – 10am, View Tube, The Greenway, Marshgate Lane, Stratford E15 2PJ
Newham Cyclists’ Monthly Ride

Every Saturday – 8:30am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
North Star Velo Road Rides
North Star Velo also run frequent midweek short road rides, evening and sometimes morning so do check their website!

Dr Bike
Cycle Confident training sessions
All Ability Cycling Club
Maintenance Sessions
Head over to the Enjoy Waltham Forest website for dates and locations!

If you would like your ride listed here just get in touch. 

Want to try family bikes and trikes? Rent one for the ride directly from Waltham Forest Council.

August Rides & Events in Waltham Forest

Children’s Complete Beginner and Level 1 Cycle Training:
Buxton School, Cann Hall Road E11 3NN
&
Leyton Jubilee Park, Seymour Road E10 7BL
1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 August at 9am, 11am & 1:30pm – see Enjoy Waltham Forest for details of each session

Saturday 3 August – 9:30am, Walthamstow Town Square
Led Ride to the London Freecycle 2019
Get ready for the annual car-free ride around Central London! As always, we’ll be leading a marshalled ride from Walthamstow, but you can also hop on the Overground and join the party there!

Saturday 3 August – 10am, Meridian Square (next to Stratford Bus Station)
Led Ride to the London Freecycle 2019

Saturday 3 August – 10am-4pm, Albert Crescent, Chingford Mount, E4 6SH     Dr Bike

Saturday 3 August – 10am-4pm, Low Hall Depot, South Access Road, Leyton E10 7AS
Family Bike Maintenance Session

Sunday 4 August – 11am, The Mill, Coppermill Lane, E17
The Sunday Cycle
Meet outside The Mill in Coppermill Lane at 11am. Return c. 3pm. If you have questions, email “Art Catcher” Katja.

Saturday 10 August – 10am-12pm & 1-3pm, St James Park, Walthamstow E17 8AN
Cargo Bike Training

Sunday 11 August – 1pm, Orford Rd / Church Lane by the Ancient House E17
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Open Spaces Ride
A relaxed and enjoyable afternoon travelling by bicycle and exploring the nooks and crannies in and around our borough. Frisbees sometimes materialise when we hit a suitable open space.
We aim to stop off at a café at about half time, but we recommend you bring a snack and some water.

Saturday 17 August – 10am-1pm, St James Park, Walthamstow E17 8AN
All Ability Cycling Club

Saturday 17 August – 10:30am-12pm, Timber Lodge Cafe, Olympic Park E20 1DY
Newham Cyclists’ Ride to Greenwich Cycle Fun Day

Saturday 17 August – 1-3pm, Priory Court, Walthamstow E17 5LX
Dr Bike

Sunday 18 August – 2pm, Walthamstow Village Square
Walthamstow Family Bike Club’s Newcomers Ride
This ride around the quiet streets in Walthamstow Village is intended for those new to cycling, including families with young children, and will especially appeal to those who don’t have the stamina or confidence for our longer ‘Open Spaces’ excursions on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Basic skills are necessary: please make sure you are able to pedal and balance, turn corners, and brake to a halt .. all without falling off! If you are not confident about your basic skills, then we can recommend the council’s free cycle training.
We’ll keep together as a group and ‘top and tail’ the ride with marshalls, with an experienced ride leader at the front, and an expert marshall at the back to keep cars out of our convoy. We also have at least one other marshall who cycles on the right hand side of the group to help out with junctions etc.
We meet at 2pm in Walthamstow Village Square at the junction of Eden Road and Orford Road (for a map click here). We finish at the Square around 3:30pm.

Wednesday 21 August – 10am-4pm, Leyton Jubilee Park, Seymour Road E10 7BL
Dr Bike

Wednesday 21 August – 6:30pm, Walthamstow Town Square
Bridget’s Evening Ride
Join Bridget for an hour’s relaxing riding around the borough, with an optional pub or café settle-down at the end.
Bring your lights as you will need them before the end of the ride!

Thursday 22 August 8am-4pm, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF
Dr Bike

Every Saturday – 8:30am, Leytonstone @ McDonald’s
North Star Velo Road Rides
Meet outside McDonald’s in High Road Leytonstone.
Back in time for lunch, or a pint at the North Star!
North Star Velo also run frequent midweek short road rides, evening and sometimes morning so do check their website!

Please note there will be no WFCycling Ride on the 4th Sunday of August.

If you would like your ride listed here just get in touch. 

Want to try family bikes and trikes? Rent one for the ride directly from Waltham Forest Council.

Meeting – Tuesday 23rd July

Our monthly meeting is on Tuesday and all cyclists are welcome – 8pm to 9:30pm in the Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street, E17 9AH

Agenda

Introductions

Review of previous meeting minutes

Campaigning, Outreach and LCC

• Risk and Safeguarding – policy update
• Climate Safe Streets – new LCC campaign
• CIVI – Coppermill Lane email sent out to whole borough (oops)
• London Cycling Data Project – maps
  • Monday 5th August meeting – timing TBC
• Slack for discussions – https://wfcycling.slack.com

Events

• Sunday 30th of June, Cycling Fun Day – review
• Saturday 10th of August, Summer social 3pm – 4:30pm Leyton Jubilee Park
• Sunday 22nd September, London Car Free Day – Hoe Street closed!

WFCC Rides

• 3rd August – Freecycle – arrangements, marshals
• 25th of August – no ride
• Sunday 22nd September, London Car Free Day

Council liaison officers’ report back

Data gathering, Engagement and consultation

• Forest Road, Century to Chatham gap
• Coppermill Liveable Neighbourhood/Cycleway 27 consultation
• Hilltop area (E17) engagement and timeline update
• Markhouse series 4 workshop

Construction and implementation

• Ruckholt Road/Temple Mills junction and cycleway
• School Streets roll out
• Essex Brewery Development – improving access to Courtenay Place.

Future plans an ambition

• South Grove cycleway

Maintenance and enforcement

• Council contractor driver behaviour – footway and cycleway parking of school coaches

Feedback on any other Waltham Forest issues

Any other business – 10 mins

Informal chatting – 5 mins

Next meeting – SEPTEMBER 24th, same time same place – August is our summer social!

Any additional items for the agenda please comment below, or email contact@wfcycling.org.uk

WFCC is part of the London Cycling Campaign, the world’s largest urban cycling organisation. You don’t need to be an LCC member to attend our meetings, but if you like what we do please consider joining LCC to help support our work. Members also receive discounts in many bike shops, insurance and other benefits.