The Bromley by Bow Centre and its NHS Health Partners have created a unique cycling challenge, raising funds to reach out and support those struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
RIDE ON! took place on 10 October, World Mental Health Day, and raised almost £1000 towards the Centre’s Covid-19 fund which hopes to tackle loneliness in Tower Hamlets.
Challengers were tasked with riding 10km, or as far as they could, by bike. The event was a great success with participants riding in East London, Barcelona and Berlin, covering over 1000km in total.
Rider, Addie Spicy, hadn’t been on a bike for 15 years, but thanks to our Saturday Cycling Group has learnt to ride again. Six months later, Addie took to the saddle for RIDE ON! and describes her experience.
“We blazed the trails riding for mental health. Truth be told, it was cold and I was freezing but super stoked to have completed the ride in the company of some amazing individuals.”
The challenge was accepted by riders around the world, including Joe taking on a 100km ride in Barcelona, and Tom doing a 10km route in Brighton. There was also Ailish and Philip in Berlin, and Mike riding (and trekking) all the way from Bozeman, Montana USA.
There to launch the event was Apsana Begum, local MP for Poplar and Limehouse.
“Cycling during lockdown has reduced loneliness during this awful pandemic. We know small charities are struggling, 97% of charities are small charities, bearing the brunt of the financial impact of the crisis. I’m keen for everyone in Tower Hamlets to understand the benefits of cycling and all the good work happening to reduce isolation at the Bromley by Bow Centre… I’m also looking to learn to ride a bike myself.”
If you want to support our riders and contribute to the fund, there’s still time to donate.
And if you’re feeling inspired, join the Saturday morning cycling group by emailing: mina.chowdhury@bbbc.org.uk
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