GET ON your bike - that's the advice being given to Wanstead and Woodford residents to beat the forthcoming Congestion Charge.

The Redbridge Group of the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) is urging residents to use pedal power to boost their health, improve the environment and combat Ken Livingstone's much-maligned charging system.

And if you are put off off cycling because you are unsure about basic cycle upkeep, including puncture repairs, the LCC is running a series of practical Cycle Maintenance Workshops aimed at boosting skills and confidence.

The workshops are being held at Wanstead House and the next four-week session starts on Wednesday, February 26 from 7pm to 9pm.

LCC also runs a Bike Mate scheme whereby experienced cyclists from your local area can accompany you on your first cycle journey to work, giving advice on what to wear, what to take and so on.

Interested cyclists should contact either Richard Everett on 8491 6306 or Gill James on 8989 4898. The group's next meeting is on Tuesday, February 11 at Wanstead House and features a speaker on encouraging cycling in the primary school.

January 28, 2003 10:00