Taking place on Thursday 18th July is the first "Cycle on the beat with the police" spin class. Police officers, staff and 5 members of the community will cycle on the beat at Nuffield Health and Leisure in Wimbledon Broadway.

On Thursday 18th July from 17:00-18:00hrs officers and staff in their own time will take part in a spinning class called “Cycle on the beat with the police” to keep fit. This class is a workout option available at fitness clubs everywhere allowing participants to take part in a group workout on static bikes through a series of phases, from a warm-up to more challenging levels, to a period of peak effort followed by a cool down.

This venture was developed following the tragic deaths of 2 Merton officers who suffered un-diagnosed heart conditions. The partnership with Nuffield Health and Leisure allows police in Merton to encourage staff to include exercise into their daily routine. Nuffield Health and Leisure in Wimbledon has agreed to introduce once a month "Cycle on the beat with the police" spin class in a studio that would normally be empty .

Chief Superintendent Darren Williams said; “This is a great way for our staff to keep fit but also an opportunity for local people to come along, join in and meet their local officers. We have 5 places per class available, so if you are interested then please email me at Darren.williams@met.police.uk. We are hoping to be able to do this once a month, so will make sure you all get a place as soon as possible.”

Nuffield Health & Leisure in Wimbledon Broadway already work in partnership with Merton police by helping to deliver their award winning TKO project.

TKO stands for “Technique, Knowledge and Opportunity”, it is an innovative and exciting youth engagement / diversion initiative to encourage young people to get to know their local officers.

The project is run by Merton Police and members of the local community all of whom give up their own time to help run this project. Students, who it is felt could benefit from the project, are recommended to TKO by schools from across the borough, Safer Merton and Merton Youth Offending Team (YOT). YOT will refer young people to the project to steer them away from getting involved in anti social behaviour Each course lasts 7 weeks and is aimed at young people between 11 and 18 years of age. They are given an introduction to several martial art disciplines which includes Karate, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Judo and Jiu Jits Sessions teach them skills which may encourage them to pursue a martial art and give them the confidence, discipline and respect which often comes from participating in sports of this nature.

Darren Williams said “I am incredibly proud of TKO. The Instructors are police officers, community support officers and police staff from Merton Police all volunteering their own time. We are assisted by several members of the local community and the Major of London, Boris Johnson and several Former World Boxing Champions have been along to join in the fun. The project provides a distraction or outlet that the students may not have elsewhere and they have the opportunity to pursue a martial art through one of the reputable gyms that they will be referred to upon their completion of the course.

Members of the Local Community involved in TKO are: Ray Stevens (Judo - Silver medallist Barcelona Olympic games 1992) Mohammed Quronfleh (Kick Boxing - Current English Pro kick boxing Champion) Spencer Hannan (Aiki Jitsu) Thomas Genske ( Brazilian Ju Jitsu) Vince Cassar (Choi Kwang Do) Linda Marchant (Karate) A supporter of TKO, 2 times World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Tim Witherspoon said “It’s a great thing the police are doing supporting local kids and offering them opportunities to get involved in sport. I first met them when the project was launched and it is an honour to be able to show my support.

Based on information supplied by Claire McFadden.