Richmond is going biking mad as more cycle stands are pedalled out in a bid to get young and old saddling up on two wheels instead of four.

Richmond Council has installed more than 200 new cycle stands in schools over the past 12 months, and a further 200-plus in town centres, parks and residential areas, to promote the environmentally friendly form of transport.

Teddington is topping the cycle stand tables with 40 new racks in operation, making it easier for people to ride into the town centre. At least 90 more have been spread across other centres to encourage people to cycle to meet friends or do their shopping.

The council’s cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking, Councillor David Trigg, said: “Cycling keeps more money in your pocket, it’s better for the environment and a great way for children to get fit, so we want to make it as easy as possible for people of every age to ride around our borough.

“The extra stands mean hundreds of people should be able to park their bikes in the heart of our towns and in their school grounds, which is not always the case when you’re driving.”

The £4.3m Smarter Travel Richmond, in partnership with Transport for London, hopes to increase walking, cycling and public transport use in the borough over the next three years.

Last Thursday, staff at the National Measurement Office (NMO) and London Wetland Centre began thinking green when their smarter travel plans were launched.

Each plan has been designed with help from the council’s team and South and West London Travel Conference.

The Wetland Centre in Barnes will be installing cycle parking this summer, and is running a salary sacrifice scheme to help workers buy bikes or accessories. In addition to installing a cycle shed and shelters around its grounds, the NMO is making showers available to encourage staff to ride to work.

Peter Mason, chief executive of NMO, said: “The travel plan shows our commitment to reducing environmental impact and embedding sustainability in everything we do.”

Call the council’s contact centre on 08456 122660.

Will the scheme get you on your bike? Email rtt@london.newsquest.co.uk.