Lewisham Family Cycling Library is here to help you try out and select the best cycling options for you and your young family.
Air quality is a big concern in Lewisham, and children are more at risk inside cars, where toxic fumes can accumulate. On a bike they learn more about their surroundings, enjoy the ride, and you know you’re doing your best for the environment and your children’s health.
In 2021, we created the Lewisham Family Cycling Library, in partnership with Lewisham Cyclists. We have held workshops all over the borough, and loaned electric cargo bikes, trailers and bike seats to numerous families. After three years of great collaboration, this incredible project will be solely managed by Lewisham Cyclists.
To find out about their future events and how to borrow equipment visit Lewisham Cyclists website.
Testimonials
Here are some comments from people who have borrowed equipment from the library:
“It was great fun borrowing the e-cargo bike. As a family that cycles a lot already, I was surprised how good it was for journeys that we perhaps avoided previously based on distance. So instead of getting a combination of transports to get to piano lessons in Crofton Park we cycled all the way and back (and enjoyed it too). We also did the Bromley Junior parkrun whereas previously it was that bit too far for our 5-year old to cycle. It was a sociable way to travel as I could see the children and talk to them as we were travelling. I even experimented with 4 young children in there for Halloween and it worked brilliantly. I am convinced an e-cargo bike is suitable for us as a young family and will be useful for at least the next 5 years (until our children reach secondary age). I can also see how I would be able to double up and use the e-cargo bike for business purposes as we run a cafe. We are keen to avoid owning a car/van but have considered it recently because of the need to sometimes buy heavy items at short notice e.g. milk. The e-cargo bike provides us with an alternative more sustainable option.” Steven J.
“This was such an amazing experience to borrow the e-trike. I was a bit apprehensive due to the weather and worrying it would be to cold for the children but I think that made the experience all the bit better. The children absolutely loved it. I was able to get all 3 of my children in the cargo and do shopping too with enough space for 4-5 big shopping bags! I really started using the bike rather than my car and can actually see our family using an e-trike as our main source of transportation. I felt it was really good for myself also as it was a means for me to keep fit. I would also ride the bike everyday to drop my son to school and the little errands I needed to run.” Kamara