News
38,000 sign up for London Freewheel
Carlton Reid Sep 17 2007, 6:45pm
The September 23rd event is on a 9-mile circuit of central London
The first Hovis London Freewheel is gearing up to be the biggest mass participation bike ride the capital has ever seen, as figures released today show 38,000 riders have now signed up to take part. Tens of thousands of cyclists are set to take over central London for a day enjoying the city's most iconic sights on a 9-mile route free of other traffic.
Early registrants got goodie bags which included a Top Trumps game sponsored by Raleigh, Madison, Saracen and others.
Capacity for the event is now full but eperienced cyclists can take part by signing up as a volunteer to help guide less-confident cyclists into the central London route from 'hubs'.
As well as the ride, there's the Freewheel Festival in St.
James’s Park, a family-friendly celebration of cycling which will include a Hovis picnic, cycling acrobatics, a cycling circus and BMX, MTB and trail bike demonstrations.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "The enthusiastic take-up for the first ever Hovis London Freewheel is a fantastic endorsement for the growing popularity of cycling in the capital. The event will be a fun, free celebration of cycling which we hope will encourage people to cycle more regularly."
Jenny Jones, the Mayor's Green Transport Advisor said: "This is going to be a special day in an exceptional year for cycling in London. It will be the biggest bike ride the capital has ever seen."
