For five years now a traffic free cycling event has taken place in London as part of the Mayor of London's bid to promote cycling in the city. Previously known as the London Freewheel, the event is now run by British Cycling and Sky and is called the London Skyride. This year the event took place on September 4th and as visitors flocked to London hotels, cafes and restaurants enjoyed busy trade from the bike-mad crowd.
By 2013 the goal of London Skyride is to have one million more people cycling on a regular basis than there are now. Events are taking place throughout the country to promote cycling as a great activity for both leisure and as a means of transport.
People of all backgrounds and cycling ability enjoyed cycling around the traffic free streets on a 15 kilometre route past some of the most famous tourist sights in the city. Either heading out of their homes or coming to stay in one of the London hotels people set out to view such places as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace from their saddles, whilst travelling around the city in a very memorable way.
As with all events of this nature crowds gather to watch the participants and are treated to fancy dress, unusual bikes, such as old penny farthings and celebrities can be spotted amidst the cycling crowd. This year 55,000 people got on their bikes and joined in the ride, around the west end hotels and shops, over bridges, past iconic buildings and along streets usually filled with cars, taxis and buses.
As well as the open roads to cycle along at whatever pace they chose, the parks were filled with activities which could be enjoyed by cyclists and spectators alike. Information was available for those keen to get back on their bike but uncertain about riding after a long break and there were bicycle maintenance guides too. The parks were buzzing with activity.
Along the route there are buskers and other entertainers amusing the on-lookers and the cyclists and even those not taking part can enjoy the change in atmosphere in the city whilst there is no traffic buzzing around, the whole area is alive in a unique way during the event. The roads are busy in a completely different way for these few hours and guests in West End hotels often have their bike in tow at the end of the day.
Throughout the year similar traffic free cycling events take place in other cities and there are also fund raising activities carried out under the same umbrella. More publicity, greater awareness of the events and the growing enjoyment of sheer fun of cycling all make it seem highly likely that the admirable goal of increasing the number of people riding their bikes regularly can be achieved.
Each year that it has been held more people have joined in the London Skyride and with all these extra people taking to the traffic free streets it is a win-win situation for the organisers, the Mayor and for places to stay in London like Kensington hotels as well as businesses all of whom benefit from the many visitors arriving in the city for the event.
By 2013 the goal of London Skyride is to have one million more people cycling on a regular basis than there are now. Events are taking place throughout the country to promote cycling as a great activity for both leisure and as a means of transport.
People of all backgrounds and cycling ability enjoyed cycling around the traffic free streets on a 15 kilometre route past some of the most famous tourist sights in the city. Either heading out of their homes or coming to stay in one of the London hotels people set out to view such places as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace from their saddles, whilst travelling around the city in a very memorable way.
As with all events of this nature crowds gather to watch the participants and are treated to fancy dress, unusual bikes, such as old penny farthings and celebrities can be spotted amidst the cycling crowd. This year 55,000 people got on their bikes and joined in the ride, around the west end hotels and shops, over bridges, past iconic buildings and along streets usually filled with cars, taxis and buses.
As well as the open roads to cycle along at whatever pace they chose, the parks were filled with activities which could be enjoyed by cyclists and spectators alike. Information was available for those keen to get back on their bike but uncertain about riding after a long break and there were bicycle maintenance guides too. The parks were buzzing with activity.
Along the route there are buskers and other entertainers amusing the on-lookers and the cyclists and even those not taking part can enjoy the change in atmosphere in the city whilst there is no traffic buzzing around, the whole area is alive in a unique way during the event. The roads are busy in a completely different way for these few hours and guests in West End hotels often have their bike in tow at the end of the day.
Throughout the year similar traffic free cycling events take place in other cities and there are also fund raising activities carried out under the same umbrella. More publicity, greater awareness of the events and the growing enjoyment of sheer fun of cycling all make it seem highly likely that the admirable goal of increasing the number of people riding their bikes regularly can be achieved.
Each year that it has been held more people have joined in the London Skyride and with all these extra people taking to the traffic free streets it is a win-win situation for the organisers, the Mayor and for places to stay in London like Kensington hotels as well as businesses all of whom benefit from the many visitors arriving in the city for the event.
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