Making sustainable travel more convenient

Addressing air quality is a top priority for Richmond upon Thames. We want everyone to be able to get around and access the services they need effortlessly and safely. That’s why we have rolled out a number of initiatives to make active travel easier and greener choices more attractive.

Cycling 

We have partnered with Peddle My Wheels for the Try Before You Bike scheme, a user-friendly scheme that is specifically designed to encourage people to cycle. The convenient subscription model enables residents and businesses to hire a bicycle, e-bike, cargo bike, e-cargo bike or trailer with the option to buy the bike at the end. 

Similarly, our cargo bike hire scheme is available for locals and traders to use. These bikes are located in East Sheen, Ham, Hampton, Kew, Richmond town centre, St Margarets, Teddington, Twickenham and Whitton, and the first 60 minutes is free for all new users. 

For residents who are unable to securely store a bicycle at home, our bikehangars provide a secure and dry on-street cycle parking solution. Bikehangars take up half a car parking space and provide storage space for six bicycles. Let us know if you would like a bikehangar installed on your street by registering interest.

We are committed to improving cycling conditions and road safety in the borough, this includes the introduction of segregated cycle lanes on Kew Road, Strawberry Vale/Manor Road and Castelnau. 

Walking 

We have introduced 14 School Streets across the borough with a further school currently undergoing a trial. School Streets create a pedestrian and cycling zone, supporting active travel and cleaner air by reducing vehicle movement which creates a safer and more pleasant start and end to the day for everyone in and around school communities. You can find information about requesting a School Street.

Richmond upon Thames has more green spaces than any other London borough, with 128 parks and open spaces. We have a number of initiatives to help residents move more and enjoy their surroundings. 

We have teamed up with TagTap AR to offer families a free way to explore the borough’s walking routes with local checkpoints that allow you to score points with the chance of winning prizes. 

Our Parks team have also been working closely with Go Jauntly to develop a selection of nine walks and trails from cultural tours to tree and river trails, plus sensory walks, with seating and resting places pointed out along the way. 

And if you want to meet new people whilst exploring the borough, our Friendly Parks For All programme organises a number of group walks for different abilities including accessible walks for those with limited mobility, as well as wellbeing walks and group litter picks. 

You can also join the Ramblers and walk to keep fit and healthy. These free walks are volunteer-led and happen six days per week.  

Hire options 

For residents who require a car for some journeys, car clubs can be a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. Car clubs are privately operated ‘pool cars’ and members of the club can book the car for use. Bookings can be for an hour, for 2 to 3 days or longer and is usually cheaper than conventional car hire. You can book online or by phone, and payment is by the hour and/or miles travelled. 

Residents in Richmond upon Thames can also hire e-scooters under Transport for London’s public hire scheme. Users must start and end their journey at one of the designated parking locations using one of the operator’s mobile apps. Find out more about charges and safety standards.

Financial support to try something new 

We are giving additional support to residents who are considering replacing their cars due to the ULEZ expansion; offering support to those who want to explore more sustainable forms of alternative transport, such as cargo bikes, e-bikes and car clubs. 

Three different offers are available as part of the scheme: 

1. A three-month free trial with the Pedal My Wheels Try Before You Buy Scheme, plus a discount if a purchase is made 
2. A £50 pay as you go Oyster Card for use on buses, trains, the tube and overground 
3. One-year free membership and £50 driving credit for Enterprise car club or Zipcar 

Find out more about the Good Move Scheme.

EV charging 

Sometimes car journeys are essential. Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming more and more popular, with nearly two in every five new car sales being electric, but we know access to charging can still be a barrier. That’s why we are installing 525 new EV charging points across the borough, bringing our total to 945.

All live sites can be found on ZapMap. For those who are wanting to try out an EV, the Zipcar Flex car club operating in the borough offers electric options.