Borough cyclists get the idea!

Find out how the Cycle Ambassador Scheme did…

The Cycle Ambassador Scheme (CAS) was launched in July 2009 to provide existing cyclists with the tools they need to get non-cyclists onto bikes.

Existing cyclists who signed up were called Ambassadors and the friends and/or colleagues they mentored were called ‘buddies’.

Ambassadors received support in the form of a guidance pack and workshops and buddies were sent a Cycle Starter Pack to help them gain confidence and have the comfort of a ‘How to guide’ in the absence of their ambassador. Both were given various discount vouchers from local bike shops.

What did it achieve?

30 residents buddied up with 48 ambassadors who were all invited to attend regular maintenance workshops and a welcome event. Some feedback includes:

“I have been an ambassador to a long-standing friend to whom I sold an old bike of mine. We often go out at the weekend but either walking or public transport - so it has been great to be able to cycle with her as I tend to cycle everywhere and really enjoy it and she used to be more nervous. It has built up her confidence and meant that we have been able to go further distances to lovely riverside pubs and enjoy being further afield. A brilliant scheme!” - Ruth Mayorcas (Ambassador)

“When I joined the scheme, my ambassador sorted my bike out and this really encouraged me to get fit.  I started cycling to work three times a week instead of driving.  I discovered how easy it was to get to work on my bike and that I can cycle to work quicker than I can drive there, even in my unfit state!  I don’t like the rain, so I’ve joined a gym over winter but I still go out at weekends when it’s nice.  I’m very glad I signed up!” – John O’Connell (Buddy)

What’s next

We will continue to encourage confident cyclists to help others get onto their bikes. Cyclist training is available throughout the year for individuals and families. New cyclists will be encouraged to contact local cycling organisations and a Cyclist Starter Pack will be available with cycle maintenance, safety and confidence tips as well as information on group rides.

For queries or more information, please contact: cycleambassadors@richmond.gov.uk