Meet London Cycle Pilot, Andreas

Introducing Andreas, one of our friendly Ride Side-by-Side Cycle Pilots delivering across Waltham Forest and Poplar area.

What’s Ride Side-by-Side? It’s ‘a cycle taxi with a difference’, designed to engage people who experience high levels of isolation and loneliness, with a focus on disabled people, carers, older people and people with restricted mobility.

The electric-assist side-by-side cycle with a trailer can carry up to three passengers at a time. People are collected from their location of choice by one of our trained Cycle Pilots, and can take a journey for up to an hour-and-a-half. Pedalling is not compulsory but highly recommended, and all passengers can relax and enjoy the ride.

Andreas shared with us his experience as a cycle pilot:

 What prompted you to take up a Cycle Pilot role?

I love cycling and have biked all my life. Before moving to the UK I lived in Shanghai for 10 years, that was when I really got into cycling. I biked all over the city.

When moving to London, I continued cycling and bought a cargo cycle so I could bike with my young son. I’m a sociable person and have previously worked in social care, so I feel very happy that I can share cycling with people of all abilities.

To be on the road with someone that, for whatever reason, finds it challenging to bike on their own is a great feeling.

Is it a physically demanding role?

Not physically demanding if you’re used to cycling. It’s an electric assist cycle that takes the edge off and makes it very enjoyable! As a passenger, you can choose to pedal or just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. 

The cycle is powerful enough to carry a maximum of three passengers without the need to pedal if they don’t feel up to it.

 

Best thing about being a Cycle Pilot?

My favourite route is the one I haven’t been on yet…I hope to be able to plan an adventure together with YOU, my next passenger. 

You just need to book a time. Give us a call on 020 8980 7998 (option 5).

I have a lot of route options if you need some inspiration. We can take up to three passengers, so feel free to ask a friend or family member to join for your first ride if preferred. 

 What advice would you give to anyone who is unsure about taking a journey?

First of all..make sure you book a session! We are all trained and experienced in riding and will keep you safe. We make sure we adapt the ride according to you.

We’ll show and explain everything to you and then it’s just about sitting back and relaxing while we travel to your destination. 

Worried about rain? Don’t be! We always carry rain gear that we can provide if needed. 

Remember, the service is here for you. You decide what you want to do and how we do it. We are controlling the bike, but you are in charge of the ride. 

Booking information

The Bikeworks Ride Side-by-Side Cycle is operating across areas over London so if you’re interested in booking the service, please get in touch with our friendly team.

You can call us: call 020 8980 7998 (option 5) and we will help you with your booking.

More information can be found on our web page here or you can drop us an email: enquiries@bikeworks.org.uk 

Andreas, who’s pictured here taking the police for a spin around the local community 🙌