Forest has announced the launch of its Common Sense Club, a new initiative encouraging riders to embrace cycling best practice while navigating the city.
The Common Sense Club is being launched with a playful ‘common sense’ safety quiz, helping riders to brush up on the Highway Code as well as deepen their understanding of cycling best practices, such as proper parking, safe overtaking and interacting considerately with pedestrians.
The quiz, which can be accessed via the Forest app and online, has the backing of Transport for London, who recently launched their own Highway Code Campaign, and The London Cycling Campaign, the membership charity working to make cycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Forest X Newlane: A partnership with purpose
Forest is determined to ensure the quiz is accessed by a large portion of its riders and, in order to do so, is rewarding riders who take the quiz – and pass it successfully – with 30 free minutes of cycling and the opportunity to win a Newlane helmet, the UK-made folding helmet. To celebrate the launch of the new initiative, all Forest riders will be offered an exclusive 10% discount on Newlane helmets.
“Our business was founded on the idea of making city cycling simple and safe, so we’re really excited to be part of this campaign. Knowing how to behave on a bike and protecting yourself as you ride really is common sense. Together with Forest and the London Cycling Campaign, we aim to make helmets – especially folding ones – the norm among hire bike riders,” comments Dom Cotton, Co-Founder, Newlane.
Forest’s safety initiative comes alongside other tech, hardware and engagement features to support and encourage strong cycling and parking behaviours. Forest uses AI to determine whether riders have parked suitably, avoiding blocking pavements, pathways or entrances for pedestrians. Forest also maintains a dedicated phone line and displays clear QR codes for people to report obstructive or problematic bikes simply and quickly.
Tom Fyans, Chief Executive, The London Cycling Campaign: “It’s brilliant news that dockless cycle hire is booming in London and loads of new people are getting cycling, enjoying the convenience of pick-up and drop-off e-bikes on London’s growing cycle network of safe routes. But with new riders come some who are more wobbly or less aware of how to cycle sensibly. Forest’s new Common Sense Club is a brilliant way of ensuring riders cycle sensibly, courteously and responsibly with a few laughs and a lot of smiles along the way.”
This latest campaign from Forest has been launched off the back of a summer boom for London’s shared e-bikes, particularly during the tube strikes, during which Forest experienced a 150% increase in demand for their bikes compared to a normal week.
Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman: “It’s great that e-bikes have contributed to the cycling boom we’re seeing in London, but it is vital that riders understand the rules of the road and how to cycle safely, considerately, and confidently.
“That’s why I encourage riders to take advantage of Forest’s Common Sense Club initiative and refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code and best cycling practice.
“The Mayor and I are pleased that the Government plans to give cities powers to better manage dockless e-bike schemes, and we are clear that improved safety must sit at the heart of any future regulation, so the industry thrives.”
Operating on renewable energy
Forest is the only London-based operator with zero emissions, powering all bikes and service vehicles with renewable energy – and is also the only provider that gifts users ten minutes of free rides per day.
In 2024, Forest gave away approximately 40 million gifted minutes, costing the equivalent of over £11 million.
Alex Berwin, Head of Policy at Forest, said: “We’re proud to launch the Common Sense Club today, encouraging Forest riders to brush up on their cycling knowledge and skills. E-bikes are opening up new ways to travel, helping Londoners move around the city in ways that are more affordable, sustainable and promote healthier lifestyles. But as e-bikes become part of everyday life, it’s important to recognise that with these new opportunities come new responsibilities. A healthy dose of common sense goes a long way – we want to make sure our riders feel confident, capable and, above all, cycle safely when travelling by e-bike.”
