Almost 200 pupils from 14 Lambeth primary schools took part in the three-mile ride by residential streets and back roads, supported by professional traffic marshals, volunteers and cycle instructors who made sure the route was safe.
The young people were cheered on by motorists as they passed junctions and traffic lights, cycling through Brixton before arriving at The Oval for lunch where they even had the chance to get onto the famous grass.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “Events such as Bike the Borough show what is possible when we make space for people on our streets.”
Around 300 students & adults from 14 schools and partner organisations took part in our yearly Bike the Borough
We cycled from Brockwell Park to the Kia Oval encouraged by honks and cheers on the way
Learn more about the programme https://t.co/PhPuN1Gwza pic.twitter.com/7im4qCWRp3
— Lambeth Council (@lambeth_council) August 3, 2024
“The young people have been learning about bike skills and cycle confidence throughout the school year, so it was fantastic they have been able to put that knowledge into practice in such a safe environment. This is crucial to showing young people the benefits of cycling both as a way of getting around and to help their health and wellbeing,” she added.
The event was organised by Lambeth Council’s Big Shift programme and supported by cycling charities Cycle Confident and Wheels for Wellbeing. During the day professional traffic marshals kept the route clear of traffic, while experienced instructors were on hand to support the youngsters during their ride.
Throughout the year the children have been receiving advice from Cycle Confident through regular Bikeability sessions funded by Lambeth Council.
The event also welcomed Brixton-based charity Wheels for Wellbeing, which works with disabled children and adapts to break down barriers to cycling, who provided adapted bikes for some children with different abilities could use so they could take part.
Bike the Borough 2024 was the largest event of its type organised in the borough and built on the success of the inaugural ride-out held last year where 70 children took part.
The Bike the Borough event was funded through Lambeth Council’s Big Shift programme to encourage people to consider more sustainable and active ways to move around their local areas.
After completing the ride out, each school was presented with a certificate by Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Jean-Paul Ennis and Wheels for Wellbeing director Isabelle Clement.
Cllr Chowdhury added: “I am delighted that this event built on the success of last year to include so many more schools and children. It is one of the highlights of our year to see so many young people looking so happy and confident on their bikes.
“I hope it shows what can be done when we make our streets more accessible for everyone, not just vehicles. It opens up a new world of cycling to a younger generation and we are committed to making Lambeth one of the best, and safest, boroughs to cycling in the capital.”
