Now in its seventh year, the annual Community Walking and Cycling Fund has awarded 57 community projects and helped over 4,000 residents to walk or cycle more

SisterCycle, were one of the beneficiaries of the award, Credit: SisterCycle/Waltham Forest Council

Nine community groups have been awarded grants from a £25,000 funding pot for projects which aim to get more people walking and cycling.

Now in its seventh year, Waltham Forest Council’s annual Community Walking and Cycling Fund has awarded 57 community projects and helped over 4,000 residents to walk or cycle more in their local area.

This year awarded groups include Ace Community Sports, which provides a walking group for disabled children and adults, JoyRiders, who lead cycle rides for families in Waltham Forest, and Sapphire, who run a ‘walking while sketching’ group for people who love art and staying active.

Other beneficiaries of the award include Black Women on Wheels (BWOW), who offer monthly group bike rides for Black women, and East London Out Project (ELOP), who run a walk and talk group for LGBTQ+ people.

Meanwhile, Greek Café, Sister Cycle, and Walk the Loop who run a walking group for families based in Pimp Hall Nature Reserve and the wider Chingford area, also all obtained cash.

One of the funding recipients, Age UK Waltham Forest, are holding their free over-60s cycling lessons again this summer in Chingford and Walthamstow.

The six-week course is aimed at complete beginners and those who are looking to build up their confidence in cycling.

Sessions will be every Monday starting from 2nd June.

Deputy council leader Clyde Loakes said: “I’m delighted to announce this latest round of Community Walking and Cycling Fund recipients. Together, the projects will cover the whole of Waltham Forest and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to gain confidence on a cycle, meet other people from your community on a guided walk, or even get artistic.

“We hope that they’ll enable even more Waltham Forest residents to start exploring the borough on foot or cycle this summer, as we want this to be an option for everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience.”

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