Cycle Buddies – we are short of Experienced Riders !
Back before the November 2020 lockdown, Nicola Baird, an experienced Islington cyclist, volunteered to be a Cycle Buddy and was paired with a student from Archway. Nicola was able to show the student a safe route from Archway, where a Dr Bike handily was offering free bike checks, to Angel. The student requested to be anonymous but Nicola asked her what motivated her to ask for a Buddy.
NB: Why did you ask for a bike buddy?
Student: I wanted to boost my confidence on the road and needed some tips from a more experienced rider. I also wanted to explore the area, so I thought a commute that goes right across Islington from north to south is a good place to start.
NB: After the bike buddy ride did you use your bike more?
Student: Yes. I cycled to campus almost every other day after that journey, but haven’t cycled much since the lockdown.
NB: What else did meeting a bike buddy help inspire you to do?
Student: I’ve been studying alternative routes around London. I also picked up some mechanical knowledge.
Picture of Nicola thanks to Kimi Gill and Islington Faces
More about the Cycle Buddies scheme here