Hundreds of residents got together in Hackney to celebrate cycling at the Sunday Cycle Picnic, organised by Hackney Council in partnership with Cyclechic, Bobbin Bicycles and Sawako Furuno.

Croquet was just one of the garden games made from recycled bicycle parts that visitors enjoyed. There were also vintage cycling films by Ray Pascoe screened in one of the world’s first pedal powered cinemas, the Magnificent Revolution.

Cyclechic.co.uk, Bobbin Bicycles and Sawako Furuno ran a light hearted a competition for the best dressed cyclist and bicycle – which was awarded to Anastasia Tata from Hackney, who won a red play bike from Bobbin Bicycles. Jos Parsons from Walthamstow also won the prize of a Kitsch Kitchen Cycle and accessories.

The event, on Sunday 7 September, was designed to encourage more women to get on their bicycles and experience the fun and freedom of cycling around London without feeling the need to wear sportswear or change their everyday style or habits.

The partners in the event were all young women who want to make cycling more accessible and fun for women.

Cllr Alan Laing, Hackney Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:

“Hackney has a great network of cycle routes and has been voted best bike borough in London. Cycling is great fun, good for your health and a very green form of transport. Events like the Sunday Cycle Picnic are a great way to encourage more people, especially women, to cycle.”

For more information about cycling in Hackney please visit the Council’s website: www.hackney.gov.uk/movebybike or contact Louisa Clarke, Hackney Council, on 020 8356 8189 or louisa.clarke@hackney.gov.uk