Around 1,000 children from schools across Hackney are expected to saddle up and take part in an annual cycling event on 28 June.
Now in its eighth year, Bike around the Borough (BATB) is organised by Hackney Council in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, as part of wider efforts to encourage more children to cycle.
More than 40 schools are due to take part in this year’s event, which is sponsored by British Cycling, along with Volker Highways and Berkeley Homes.
In 2016, the event set the world record for the highest number of people cycling in a continuous ‘bike bus’.
On the day, children will gather at Hackney Downs, travelling to Clissold Park, where the bike bus will pick up more participants – before heading on to London Fields, past Hackney Town Hall and back to Hackney Downs.
After the ride takes place, there will be a summer cycling celebration open to the public at Hackney Downs, with food, drink and cycling-themed activities at the park from 3.30-8.30pm.
Feryal Demirci, Hackney’s deputy mayor, said:
“As the nearly 6,000 school children who have taken part in Bike Around the Borough in its seven year history will confirm, Hackney is London’s capital of cycling.
“I can’t wait to again join the hundreds of children discovering their borough by bike, who will be building on the training they’ve had in school and finding out that cycling is a fun, healthy way to get around.”
Joel Lavery, British Cycling head of partnerships, said:
“Mass bike rides like Bike Around the Borough go a long way in showcasing just how much fun you can have on two wheels.
“Cycling is an activity which is fun, green and brings people together, so it’s great to see so many young people on board and ready to explore the wonderful borough of Hackney by bike on 28 June. All of us at British Cycling look forward to seeing plenty of smiles on the day!”
20 June 2018