Local Bike Recycling Project

https://www.facebook.com/RecyclesIlfordCorps

This bike recycling project is based in the Salvation Army's building at 15 Clements Road, Ilford. They had a sale this morning, so I popped along.

They had plenty of bikes there, but the stock on display was heavily dominated by mountain bikes. The price range seemed to be £70-£120 based on my unscientific sample.

The project teaches disadvantaged people to maintain bikes using workshops on Fridays, when they will also accepted donated bikes/parts.

Cycle Hire Roadshows

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/15371.aspx

TfL have published a list of dates and locations for road shows for the new central London cycle hire scheme, where people can find out all about it. One of the locations given is "Redbridge" on 15 August - I assume it means LB Redbridge and is likely to be in Ilford - as there's one on 18 September in "Newham".

Bike Buddy available - Ilford - City

If you're thinking of taking the plunge and cycling to work during the rail strikes, a bike buddy is a good idea. Apart from a buddy to ride with, you get the benefit of your buddy's experience of commuter cycling.

Bill Gentry has offered to buddy people from Ilford to The City. If you're interested, get in touch.

Plaza Bicycles

Travelling up Ilford lane on the top of a 179 I noticed a hand written sign at a shop called Plaza that "Plaza Bicycles" is now open. I can't give you any more details and I wouldn't build your hopes up, but if you're in the vicinity of 350 Ilford Lane, (between Khartoum Road and Wingate Road) it might be worth popping your head round the door to see what's what.

Streetcar

It's been pointed out to me that this car micro-hire firm now has cars relatively close to Barking (in south Ilford) and a van in Barking. http://www.streetcar.co.uk/. This might provide a good alternative to car ownership for those who need occasional access to a car/van.

They are also looking for spaces to keep their cars - see http://www.streetcar.co.uk/locationsearch.aspx, so if you have a drive or reserved space, check out the deal.

I thought I'd mentioned streetcar on stibasa before - but I can't find anything