New Bike Shop To Pop Up In Southall

Encouraging more residents to get pedalling

Ealing Council is teaming up with London Bike Hub to open a bike shop in Southall for the summer.

The shop, which opens from Saturday, 13 July, will sell new and secondhand bikes and accessories.
Shoppers will also have the chance to get their own bike checked and maintained by Dr Bike for free.

London Bike Hub, a not-for-profit organisation, will run the shop every Saturday until the end of August from a converted shipping container on South Road.

The shop is the latest initiative as part of the council’s direct support for cycling scheme which offers a range of practical help to encourage residents to cycle. Earlier this year it launched free guided bike rides in Southall for women.

Southall resident Kam Sidhu, only learnt to ride a bike two years ago thanks to the council’s cycle training programme. She joined the women’s cycle rides in Southall earlier this year and said: “I’ve noticed more people cycling in Southall recently and I’m sure this shop will encourage others to get on their bikes.

“I’ve grown up in Southall and thought I knew it really well, but have discovered some new areas through cycling. There are some lovely areas to cycle through and the towpaths along the canals now seem clearer and easier to ride along."

Cabinet member for environment and transport, Bassam Mahfouz said: “A lot of people are interested in taking up cycling but perhaps don’t know what type of bike to buy or don’t want to spend too much money.

“The pop-up bike store will offer expert advice, cycle maintenance tips, information about cycle training and good value secondhand bikes. We want to inspire residents to discover the joys and benefits of cycling.”

The shop, beside Quality Foods at 47-61, South Road, will be open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday from 13 July until 31 August 2013.

For more information on cycle training and other activities in Ealing visit www.ealing.gov.uk/cycling

10th July 2013