Families in Roehampton are being encouraged to get on their bike to improve health and save the environment - for free.

Fred Ellis, coordinator for Pedal4Health - a group which trains new cyclists - said many Roehampton residents were unaware they could cycle through Richmond Park to Hampton Court also without using roads.

The group runs cycle training courses, in conjunction with health services and the council, and is encouraging children and adults to sign-up.

Mr Ellis said: “This particular course is a family course and we are trying to get families to go cycling together. People in Roehampton don’t realise what on their doorstep.

There is Richmond Park and on the other side Wimbledon Common and it is conceivable a family could go off for the day to Hampton Court and wouldn’t have to go on a road.

Medical evidence shows that cycling is a great way to get fit. With obesity numbers growing cycling burns 300 calories an hour and is a low impact activity on joints.”

And, with people choosing bikes instead of cars, there is a positive effect for the environment.

The 10-week course starts on Sunday, June 14 and meets outside Roehampton Library at 10.30am.

The group will cycle from Roehampton to Wimbledon Village and each week we will teach cyclists new skills.

More courses are planned for different parts of the borough.

For more information visit pedal4health.co.uk.

To book a place for the Roehampton course ring Meghan Bison on 0208 871 7601.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk