London Freewheel
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The London Freewheel (formally the "Hovis London Freewheel") is a major cycling event in London, England, aimed at cyclists of every age and ability. In 2007, a 14km route around central London from London Bridge to St James's Park was closed to motorised traffic, allowing cyclists to take over the streets and enjoy London’s most iconic sights. The route took participants past a number of landmarks including the London Eye, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, Whitehall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Mall. Over 38,000 cyclists took part in the 2007 event.[1]
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[edit] Background
The number of cyclists on London's major roads has grown by 83 per cent from 2000 to 2007. It is estimated that 40 per cent of Londoners have access to a bike, but only five per cent use one regularly.
The Mayor of London and Transport for London increased investment in cycling by 50 per cent in 2007/08 from £24 million in 2006/07 to £36 million in 2007/08. In 2000 investment in cycling stood at just £5.5 million. This money is being spent on improved cycle parking facilities, education and training, events and cycle promotion. 500km of the London Cycle Network Plus - a network of signed routes for cyclists across the capital - has already been completed and the full 900km network will be completed by the end of 2010. Transport for London has installed 10,000 cycling parking spaces across the capital in the past two years.
[edit] The Launch (2007)
The inaugural Hovis London Freewheel was developed by the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to encourage and increase cycling participation, and promote it as a form of transport within London. The event was launched at City Hall on 26 June 2007 by the Mayor, Ken Livingstone, Konnie Huq and Tim Dewey, Marketing Director for the event's sponsor Hovis. The event took place on Sunday 23 September 2007.
[edit] 2008
London Freewheel will take place again in 2008 on Sunday 21st September Evening Standard 24 Jan 2008
Supporting sponsors are still being sought for the 2008 event and, in the meantime, the name of the event has reverted to its trademarked "London Freewheel".
[edit] The day
As part of the day’s cycling experience, there are six ‘Freewheel Hubs’ across London where riders gathered to be led by experienced cyclists onto the vehicle-free route. The hubs also offer the chance to have bikes checked by experts. The six borough ‘Freewheel Hubs’ are located at: Gladstone Park - Brent, Finsbury Park - Haringey, Victoria Park - Tower Hamlets, Peckham Rye - Southwark, Clapham Common – Wandsworth, Ravenscourt Park – Hammersmith and Fulham.
London Freewheelers can also take part in the Freewheel Festival, an event at St James's Park open to all participants and visitors. Highlights of the festival included a Hovis picnic, BMX, mountain and trial bike stunts, cycling acrobatics, and a bike displays along with children’s activities and information on cycling in London.
