Forest invests in Islington Council’s cycle training scheme

Forest, London’s homegrown e-bike operator, has partnered with Islington Council to sponsor their Adult Cycle Training programme – an initiative designed to help riders improve their cycling skills and confidence, so they feel safe on the roads. Forest has invested £12,500 to support the initiative, which is open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Islington. Residents are entitled to two free cycle skills sessions, which can be booked on the Islington Bikeability website.

Open to anyone over the age of 16, the courses range from complete beginners learning how to ride a bike from scratch to experienced commuters who want to improve at riding in complex environments and on busier roads.

With Forest’s support, the initiative will give riders a better understanding of skills such as positioning, signalling and speed control – equipping them with safer decision-making on the road. Greater confidence and competence not only reduce the risk of collisions but also improves how cyclists interact with pedestrians and other vehicles, creating a safer and more predictable environment for everyone.

As well as learning how to ride assertively, responsibly, and share space with other road users – including pedestrians – riders will learn how to park the bikes responsibly, how the Highway Code applies to cyclists, how to adjust the bike to the correct size and how to check if the bike is in a safe condition.

Once riders feel confident and competent, the instructors – who all work to National

Standards – will help plan the best routes for users to reach work, friends, and family or other key locations, and also practice these within the sessions.

This partnership comes alongside other Forest-led initiatives to support and encourage safe cycling and behaviours. This includes Forest’s Common Sense Club, a campaign focused on educating riders about the Highway Code and deepening their understanding of cycling best practices.

Forest is the only London based operator with zero emissions, powering all bikes and service vehicles with renewable energy. It operates in 18 boroughs across the Capital, including Islington, where millions of Forest rides are made each year. The company actively works with the local councils across the Capital to identify and maintain a growing network of designated parking bays across the borough, making it easier for riders to park responsibly and safely.

Alex Berwin, Head of Policy at Forest said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with Islington on their cycling training initiative to help riders across the borough improve their cycling skills and stay safe on the roads. Forest’s bikes are providing residents with opportunities to move in ways which are more affordable, accessible and better for the environment. But as e-bikes become part of everyday life, we know that these opportunities come with more responsibility. It is essential that riders have the tools and knowledge to help them feel confident, capable and most importantly, safe when travelling by bike.”

Labour Councillor Rowena Champion said: “In recent years, we’ve seen more people than ever walking, cycling, and wheeling in our borough, which helps to improve air quality, improve wellbeing, and bring people together.

“Cycling is often the quickest, cheapest and most reliable way of getting around. That’s why we are working with our partners to deliver cycle training that helps local people gain the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely and responsibly.

“We want Islington to be a more environmentally friendly, cleaner, healthier place for all, and we’re making it happen”.