BWOW x Waltham Forest (Ride 5/6): Highams Park to Walthamstow/Leytonstone

We’re excited to announce that BWOW has received funding from the Waltham Forest Walking and Cycling Fund to run six beginner-friendly group bike rides and two practical bike maintenance sessions—and you’re invited!

These sessions are designed especially for beginners or those getting back into cycling. Expect easy-paced rides through green spaces, quiet roads, and cycle paths—all starting from accessible locations in the borough: Highams Park Station (North Waltham Forest) through to Leytonstone (South Waltham Forest) Loop.

Our goal is to help you:

• Build confidence cycling in a group
• Discover local routes
• Learn simple bike maintenance skills
• Feel empowered to ride more often and independently

Whether you're just getting started or want a gentle reintroduction to cycling, these sessions are for you!

Ride 5:

The route: Highams Park through to Walthamstow/Leytonstone Loop.

We will be cycling from Highams Park to Walthamstow using quiet roads, cycle lanes and green spaces.

Difficulty: Brave ride (up to 10 miles). Braving your fears to embrace something new. A beginner friendly ride, casual off-road with very few hills.

Meeting point:

Meet outside Highams Park station.

The route:

Check out the cycle route on to see if it's for you.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/2058818003

Lunch:

We will stop halfway through the ride for food and a hot drink. It will be a chance for us to catch up and get to know each other. Please note, we will not be providing food and drink.

Can I come to Black Women On Wheels?

As the name suggests, this is a safe space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women of Black African and / or Caribbean. We are not a BAME, POC, BIPOC, WOC, Politically Black or Ally organisation.

What if I don't have a bike?

Don't worry. If you live, work or study in Waltham Forest you may be able to borrow a bike from the council for up to a month for £30. More information can be found here. If you need a bike for longer, consider renting from the Try before you buy scheme from Pedal My Wheels for £50 per month. You can rent short-term or until you pay off the cost of the bike. If you live, work or study in Waltham Forest, you may be able to get a 50% discount. If you would like a discount code, email us at bwow.cycling@gmail.com. Please arrange at least 2 weeks in advance of the ride you would like to attend.

Other local councils have similar schemes, so check out what is available.

Other details

Punctures can happen on any ride so please come prepared with the kit to repair a puncture on your bike, such as a spare inner tube. Even if you're unsure how to repair one, someone in the group should be able to help.

We will be taking pictures and videos on the day and using them for our social media campaign and by Waltham Forest who funded this project. Please let us know if you would like to opt-out of a picture or video being taken of you and /or it being posted on social media.

Participation in rides is voluntary and up to the discretion of the individual. Please ride safely and obey traffic laws. Black Women On Wheels is not liable for any injuries that may occur as a result of joining a group ride.

About the group

Welcome to the sisterhood! We are Black Women On Wheels (BWOW), a cycling group for Black women with a difference. Our focus is fun, laughter and joy, while riding our bikes.

The group started in April 2021 and we ride out 2 times a month, rotating between North, East, South and West London.

As a community of Black women, we empower each other to ride our bikes, while assisting with issues specific to Black women such as haircare while cycling.

It does not matter if you are a complete beginner, a cycle commuter or an advanced rider. Whatever your level, this is the group for you! Join our sisterhood so we can thrive together!

Be Bold, Be You, BWOW!

Ride Levels:

Brave ride (up to 10 miles). Braving your fears to embrace something new. A beginner friendly ride, casual off-road with very few hills.

Warmer ride (10+ to 22 miles). Intermediate riders and aspiring beginners. Looking to warm up their skills and amplify their cycling experience. Pace and hills may appear.

Olympic ride (22+ to 35 miles). Intermediate and experienced riders who aspire to hit their personal best and cross that finish line 🏁. More miles, speed and hills.

Willpower ride (35+ miles). Experienced riders looking to push beyond their limits. Longer distances, more speed and multiple hills. A ride requiring true grit and willpower to complete.

Connect with us:

Instagram: @bwow.cycling

Facebook Group: BWOW (Black Women On Wheels)

Strava: BWOW

(Participation in rides is voluntary and up to the discretion of the individual. Please ride safely and obey traffic laws. Black Women On Wheels is not liable for any injuries that may occur as a result of joining a group ride.)