An estimated 50,000 cyclists took over parts of London yesterday (September 20th) as part of the mayor of London’s Skyride event.
Almost 10 miles of the city’s streets were shut off to traffic, meaning that the cyclists had the roads to themselves.
The annual event, which was originally known as the London Freewheel, aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes.
Riders set off at Buckingham Palace, with mayor Boris Johnson getting proceedings underway.
Skride 2009 – we were there
ETA director, Andrew Davis, one of the 50,000 cyclists who enjoyed a traffic-free day on Sunday, said: “The place was full of cyclists of every age and background. Many had probably never cycled on a road before – let alone in the centre of a large city; yet others, by the look of them, were experienced urban cyclists. For all of us it was a special day. The atmosphere was alive. The noise was of people enjoying themselves – it was not noise at all really. Like birdsong, the sound was part of nature. Cycling down the Strand, which is usually four lanes of thundering traffic, was an eerie experience. Almost silent. I could not help feeling how much better the centre of our cities could be if they were always like this. It can be done. It just needs people to experience it for one day and then imagine the possibility for it to happen everyday, and to believe that they can make it happen. London and our other great cities would be the better for it.”
Buying insurance for your bicycle
It’s important to shop around before buying cycle insurance – many providers charge extras that you can get included for free if you do your homework. For example, every cycle insurance policy from www.ilovemybike.co.uk includes the following and costs from just 33 pence per day:
- Third party cover up to £5m
- Cover for theft, accidental damage and vandalism (new-for-old) RACE COVER INCLUDED
- Personal accident cover up to £20,000
- Cycle Rescue (worth £34 on its own)
- 90 days’ worldwide cover
- ‘Get You Home’ – a taxi home should your bike be stolen or damaged
- No claims discount up to 40%
- Discount of 40% for folding bikes
- Hire bike
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