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Mayor and gold medallist take 50,000 on ride through car-free London
Benedict Moore-Bridger22.09.08
London was given a vision of a car-free city when much of the centre was shut to traffic for Britain's biggest mass cycle ride, London Freewheel.
Organisers estimated that more than 50,000 took part - a turnout described by triple Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy as "overwhelming".
London Mayor Boris Johnson said the event was a 'fantastic opportunity" as he and Hoy cycled in St James's Park.
Riders congregated at hubs around the capital before setting off on the route, which took in landmarks including Parliament and the Tower of London. The Mall was awash with a sea of neon yellow bibs as people of all ages pedalled past Buckingham Palace.
Hoy said: "It's important as a cyclist to promote the sport, but in general it's an opportunity for people to enjoy these amazing locations without the cars on the road, and see how much fun it is to ride a bike. This was a perfect way to encourage Londoners to get on their bikes." Other Beijing cyclists at Freewheel included Victoria Pendleton, Ed Clancy, Jamie Staff and Shanaze Reade.
Members of the public received tips from British cycling coaches and had the opportunity to test themselves against the GB cycling team in the Sky Sports Sprint Challenge.
Mr Johnson, a keen cyclist, said people did not need to be at Olympic standard to brave London's streets by bicycle.
"You only have to be able to wobble along, like I do. We're here to show the benefits of cycling. At any one time, 50 per cent of the bikes in London have not been used for more than a year. Here's a fantastic opportunity for people to get on their bikes and enjoy it."
He added: "It's a safe, quick and very environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport. You would be crazy to get around any other way."
But some people said they did not always feel safe on a bicycle.
Sara Litchfield, from Enfield, was with her nine-year-old daughter Isobel. She said: "Even coming here the cars were atrocious. People were being so rude and not taking notice of the bikes. Now we're here it's fine and there are no cars, it's really nice."
Reader views (7)
WOULD THERE BE ANOTHER TRAFFIC FREE DAY FOR CYCLING AROUND LONDON THIS YEAR? IF SO, PLEASE COULD YOU LET ME KNOW THE DATE.
iWAS ONLY A SPECTATOR LAST YEAR, BUT IT LOOKED FANTASIC.
THANK YOU.
- Cheryle Harvey, ROCHESTER KENT
What a fabulous, fabulous day! 50.000 people. Mums, dads, kids, pro bikers, daft bikers, trick bikers, commuters, reclaim the street-ers, you name it, they were all there. No trouble, no hassle, everyone helping everyone else...fantastic. How about twice a year...or perhaps, all year round...now there's a thought!
- Matt Etherington, Bromley, Kent
Grrat day!
Covered 20miles with out noticing.
Got to see Chris Hoy and Boris going a break neck 8mph!
No chance of keeping up.
Roll on next year.
- David & Sue, Kent
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Freewheel last year, just a shame that this year the organisers chose to clash the event with Open House weekend.
Just hope that next year they may see sense and put it on another weekend - then I'll be back! 
- Alyson Brewer, London, UK
Wow, what a truly amazing day. Compared to the usual jams around the Embankment and Trafalgar Square it was so easy Freewheeling along. By taking the cars off these roads the number of people using them was three or four times higher. If people left their cars at home more often we would have far fewer traffic jams.
- Charlie Lloyd, London
it was the most wonderful time of my life. to see little children learning to bicycle amounst thousand and thousand of cycholists and doing even better than us. to see all those people who we all have the some interest. and going thru the tunnel. i thank the mayor of london and god for the wonderful time we all had..."let's do it again" i love you all. thank you, joseph
- Joseph, harrow
If the vision of a car free London I saw on Sunday is what we have to look forward to, then frankly Id rather contend with the cars. Herds of cyclists ignoring traffic signals riding on pavements, and treating pedestrians with complete contempt - just as they usually do - no thanks.
- Anna Tomlinson, London
