Free bicycle check ups, security tagging, street games, workshops, and a photographic exhibition are some of the activities on offer, along with lots of cycling and road safety related information, in Hackney on Thursday 22 September as part of European Mobility Week.

To celebrate, Ashwin Street in Dalson, E8, will be transformed into a car free zone for the day, and commuters and local residents are being encouraged to leave their cares at home and enjoy the freedom of travelling by bike, foot, bus or the London Overground.

Organised by the Council’s Transportation team, with support from local businesses, community organisations, Metropolitan Police and other council services, the Car Free Day event will provide advice and information to support anyone who wants to give up their car in favour of walking, cycling and using public transport.

The Arcola Café will open early at 8am with a special early-bird price on coffee and tea until 10am. During this time cyclists will have a chance to exchange places with an HGV driver, have a bicycle health check and their bikes security tagged.

Between 10am to 5pm, residents and commuters can come along and relax at a street cafe, play games in the street, view the Bicycle Portraits exhibition, and get loads of information on walking, cycling and greener living, without having to worry about cars.

Free bicycle maintenance workshops at 2.30pm and 3.30pm will teach cyclist how to maintain your cables.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The Council is always looking for new ways to encourage all those who live, work and study in Hackney to use environmentally friendly modes of transport. Car Free Day is a great opportunity for us to be able to remind people of the greener transport options available to them, helping to make Hackney a greener, cleaner borough for everyone."

Active travel like walking and cycling also has many associated health benefits and contributes to reaching the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended level physical activity, which are being highlighted through events in Hackney.

Event details:
Carefree, Car Free Day, Thursday 22 September 2011, 8am - 6.30pm, Ashwin Street E8.
• Street café with early bird discount on coffee and tea before 10am
• Free bike health checks: 8 – 10am & 4:30 – 6.30pm
• Bicycle security tagging: 8 – 11am
• Bicycle maintenance workshops: 2.30 & 3.30pm

Plus
Exchange places with an HGV; Bicycle Portraits exhibition; street games; eco-workshops; stalls; and much more.

For more information about Hackney’s care free event email: movegreener@hackney.gov.uk; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/movegreener