Boris wants Londoners to get on their bikes

5:59pm Monday 28th July 2008

MAYOR of London Boris Johnson is calling on people to get on their bikes this summer.

The Summer of Cycling campaign aims to encourage existing cyclists to use their bikes more regularly and promote cycling to the estimated 1.1 million Londoners who have access to bikes but don't use them.

According to TfL, one in three people in the capital have access to bicycles, but only half of these have used a bike in the past 12 months.

Mr Johnson said: "While there's already been a healthy increase in the number of people on bikes, half of Londoners who own a bike aren't using them regularly, and more than a million Londoners are still missing out on the benefits of cycling.

"I'm challenging all Londoners who have bicycles languishing in the shed or garage to dig them out, dust off the cobwebs, and re-acquaint themselves with one of the most glorious ways of getting about."

Cycling events this summer include the Tour of Britain cycling race on September 7, which will start from London and finish in Liverpool, going via the Midlands and Scotland.

Two weeks later on September 21, the Summer of Cycling culminates in the Sky Sports London Freewheel event.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities get the chance to ride a car-free route past the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.

Mr Johnson, who is a keen cyclist, said: "What could be nicer than feeling the wind on your face as you zip past some of London's most famous landmarks, completely undisturbed by traffic?"

The Mayor and TfL are investing £55m in cycling in London this year, up from £36m last year.

This will pay for cycle routes, cycle parking facilities, a bike hire scheme to make cycling accessible to all, education, adult and child cycle training, and cycling events.

To find out more about the London Freewheel and to register for the event, visit londonfreewheel.com

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