Harrow's first ever mass bike ride saw nearly one hundred cyclists converging on The Grove Open Space on Father's Day as part of the Bike Fest for National Bike Week.
Families from across the borough registered to take part in the historic event which was the first of its kind in an outer London borough, with the only precedent being the Hovis London Freewheel which closes down roads in central London for cyclists to view London's greatest landmarks by bike.
On this historic occasion, the worshipful Mayor of Harrow, Councillor John Nickolay set the riders off from Nower Hill High School - one of the most popular rides and starting points - with over 40 pupils participating with teachers in a drive to increase awareness of cycling. Three routes were outlined beginning at Whitchurch School, Harrow Borough Football Club and Nower Hill High School as experienced marshalls led a wave of cyclists towards the town centre, where a cycling roadshow and try-out track was set up for everyone to sample various types of bikes. At the end point, Portfolio Holder for Community and Environmental Services, Councillor Susan Hall greeted and congratulated cyclists as they arrived on being a part of history.
"Events like this are vital in encouraging cycling and novices to take a step further and commute by bike," said Cllr Hall.
Families from across the borough registered to take part in the historic event which was the first of its kind in an outer London borough, with the only precedent being the Hovis London Freewheel which closes down roads in central London for cyclists to view London's greatest landmarks by bike.
On this historic occasion, the worshipful Mayor of Harrow, Councillor John Nickolay set the riders off from Nower Hill High School - one of the most popular rides and starting points - with over 40 pupils participating with teachers in a drive to increase awareness of cycling. Three routes were outlined beginning at Whitchurch School, Harrow Borough Football Club and Nower Hill High School as experienced marshalls led a wave of cyclists towards the town centre, where a cycling roadshow and try-out track was set up for everyone to sample various types of bikes. At the end point, Portfolio Holder for Community and Environmental Services, Councillor Susan Hall greeted and congratulated cyclists as they arrived on being a part of history.
"Events like this are vital in encouraging cycling and novices to take a step further and commute by bike," said Cllr Hall.
"It's wonderful to see so many people and families of all ages and backgrounds coming out to take part in this initiative. I look at all these people and this is what Harrow means to me: one community doing what they can for the good of the borough and what a perfect place to have everyone end the ride, in a place that represents the borough's greenery and heritage."
The Mass Bike Ride was organised by Harrow Council in conjunction with Cycle Experience, the borough's cycle training operator and was supported by Transport for London as a means of getting more people cycling. The event is part of National Bike Week which runs from June 14 - 22.
Check back here for images and video soon, meanwhile a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who took part, came out to support Harrow's first ever mass bike ride - you made history!
(Image of Cllr Hall with some participants of the Mass Bike Ride)
5 comments:
Loving it, great food, great weather and a good ride with people of all ages. Thanks Harrow for a great day out!
THANK YOU THANK YOU for such a marvellous event.
I'm in this pic!
Best day out. Ever.
Is there gonna be one of these at the event next weekend - the one sky one?
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