Guinea pigs take to bikes

Experiment in Kingston tries to create new breed of cycle commuters All the stops were pulled out when Kingston Council set out to get 20 of its staff cycling to work on a regular basis. The council lent them bikes, helped them with kitting out, planning and training, and mobilised a posse of “cycling buddies” who travelled with them on at least half their trips. The scheme, conceived and managed by the York-based Company of Cyclists, was commissioned by Transport for London, to see whether in-depth support for individuals would result in a conversion from car use. And they got their answer. After three weeks, and despite the initial doubts and tribulations described in the participants’ daily diaries, 18 of them professed themselves converts. It remains only to be seen how many take up the council’s offer of an interest-free bike loan - and keep going when the summer sun is only a distant memory. - Roger East

21 September 2005

Roger East