On Sunday 5th September 2010, an estimated 70,000 cyclists will take to traffic-free streets as part of this year’s London Freewheel, the annual cycling event currently branded as ‘Sky Ride’ as part of a sponsorship deal.
The event forms part of London’s ‘Year of Cycling’, the mayor’s £116m-initiative that includes funding for the London Cycle Hire scheme, Cycle Superhighways, training, promotion, guided rides and education.
London Mayor, Boris Johnson said: “Sky Ride is a fantastic event, where everyone – no matter what age or cycling ability – can experience the fun of the bike, free from interference from cars. It will be a veritable festival of cycling – celebrating the cleanest, greenest, handiest way of getting about town.”
The London event is one of ten rides taking place in major cities across Britain this summer with smaller local rides also taking place across the country.
Just turn up and ride
The organisers of the Freewheel/Sky Ride ask that riders pre-register at www.goskyride.com , but there is no obligation to do this – you are free to simply turn up with your bike and ride.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The Freewheel is a wonderful opportunity to cycle through central London in perfect conditions, free from the noise and fumes of motorised traffic
Sky Ride 2010
Sky Ride 2010 hopes to attract more riders than last year’s estimated 65,000 riders.
One of the cyclists at the 209 event was ETA director, Andrew Davis, who described the day as follows: “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.”
Comprehensive cycle insurance
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes, amongst other things, new-for-old, third party insurance cover, personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Find out more and get an instant, no obligation quote below.
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