London,
17
August
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

More than 4,000 take part in Tour de Hackney cycling event

Tour de Hackney, Sunday 17 Aug
SHOREDITCH FESTIVAL 2008
Happening in Hackney

More than 4,000 cyclists enjoyed Hackney’s green spaces when they took part in Hackney’s first borough-wide mass cycling event ‘Tour de Hackney’ yesterday (Sunday 17 Aug) – part of the Shoreditch Festival.

Keen cyclists completed a 12-mile route through Hackney’s cycle routes taking in Shoreditch Park, London Fields, Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes and cycling past the Olympic Park site. While others stuck to the marshalled four mile route between Shoreditch Park and London Fields.

The routes started and ended in Shoreditch Park, where entertainment included:
•Free Dr Bike workshops.
•A bike polo tournament with beginners and half-time activities.
•A unicycle hockey competition.
•Cycle safety courses.
•Bikes to try hire and buy.
•Stunt cycling outfit – Team Extreme.
•Bike ballet.
•On-site bar and food stalls
•Lift – an innovative portable arts venue which presented K’Boum bike circus.


Tour de Hackney was part of the Shoreditch Festival and jointly funded by Hackney Council and Shoreditch Trust.

Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, said: “I’m delighted that so many people came out on their bikes to enjoy Hackney’s parks and green spaces. Cycling is fun, good for the environment and a great way to keep fit.”