Moving Mothers Cycling 2025

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We have been awarded funding to provide Moving Mothers Cycling sessions in Tower Hamlets.

This programme is open to mothers aged 18 and over from diverse ethnic background living, working, and studying in Tower Hamlets. Sessions will improve fitness and activity levels in weekly small group rides in either Mile End led by female Bikeability qualified ride leader.

These cycling sessions are FREE to attend but spaces are limited and mothers with children, toddlers will be prioritised.  All interested participants MUST ideally be confident riders and complete our online registration.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) form (below) are required for enrolment and need to be emailed to us prior to participating. 

If you haven't cycled in a while that is fine you will cycle in small groups in and around the stadium and parks. The slightly more confident mum and children riders will set off on small group rides along the park and canal. We will normally be riding on flat surfaces with minimal inclines.

Currently due to lack of storage we are unable to offer bikes with rear back seats, however we are working towards this. In the meantime, we welcome toddlers who can confidently ride along with their mum. Bikes will be provided for mum and child. (please bring your own water bottles)

• Day and Time: Sunday | 2pm 
• Address:  Mile End Park (behind Mile End Stadium Sports Stadium entrance - Copperfield Rd) 
• Cost: FREE
• Bikes & Helmets provided
• Cohort 1 - Starting Sun 4th May 2025
• Cohort 2 - Starting Sun 8th June 2025

You must be able to attend the full 5 sessions for whichever cohort you sign up for:

Cohort 1: May 4th Start - 5 Sessions (Sun 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, and last session Sun 1st June)

Cohort 2: July 8th Start - 5 Sessions (Sun 8th, 15th, 22rd, 29th, and last session Sun 6th July)

Why Cycle with Moving Moi? 

Let’s admit, the first two years at home with a new baby aren’t exactly easy. Whether you are a mum or dad, you’re sleep-deprived, dealing with crazy hormones, feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This can lead to postpartum depression a condition that impacts ten to 15 percent of mothers within the first year after childbirth. 

However, exercise has been shown to reduce these symptoms and getting out in the fresh air has the added benefit of lifting your mood, improving bonding time with child.

“Moving Mothers Cycling” will encourage mothers to ride with their toddlers with safe & secure bike seats, helmets and bikes which we will provide to achieve the following aims;

• Increase cycling participation of females in Tower Hamlets facing social/cultural barriers
• Increase a sense of belonging to local residents by riding and exploring Mile End & Victoria Park

• Increase confidence and frequency of cycling and familiarity of local parks.
• Make cycling accessible to support mothers that are unemployed or from low income households
• Introduce low impact exercise (cycling) to people who are particularly inactive (new mothers)
• Reduce social isolation and get people involved and together in their local community

What we provide:

• A suitable bike to borrow for FREE during each session
• Each Bike is equipped and securely fitted with a child seat
• A helmet for you and your child (please bring wipes to clean before and after)
• You are welcome to bring your own helmets if you feel more comfortable as we cannot guarantee our universal helmet sizes will fit. 
• Safely planned routes led by a  qualified ride leader who will lead small group sessions
• Advice guidance on cycle safety and awareness

What to wear

We recommend you wear clothing you are comfortable modest clothing that will allow you to cycle easily. Please wear supportive trainers. 

You do not need to bring any special equipment, but we recommend bringing a bottle of water and a snack bag for your child.

We expect all participating to be confident cyclists and the safety of your child/toddler if you bring along to our sessions is the full responsibility of each parent attending.