The streets around the Kia Oval Cricket Ground were transformed into a vehicle-free space for the community to enjoy as part of the World Car Free Day celebrations taking place across the globe.
The location was chosen to highlight the benefits of Lambeth Council’s Kennington Reimagined scheme that has transformed the streets into areas where people of all ages can come together and socialise together.
The event kicked off on Sunday with a mass organised cycle ride from the National Theatre, at the South Bank, to Kennington Oval featuring more than 120 riders who arrived together to the sounds of support from passing vehicles.
Kennington Oval was then host to a day of activities, workshops, and pop-up stalls offering bicycle checks from Dr Bike and anti-theft advice from local police officers.
A circus performer entertained the crowds with two custom bicycles, while visitors were given the chance to try out a pedal-powered smoothie bike and another that produced energy to power a bubble machine.
Lambeth-based Wheels for Wellbeing brought a selection of adapted cycles for people to try out. The charity specialises in helping people with disabilities or mobility issues learn how to use hand-powered bikes to help change lives by getting people more confident and active.
It was not all pedals and bike chains – the event also saw young people get to grips with skateboarding under the guidance of instructors from Everyone on Boards.
The Kennington Reimagined project was delivered this summer to make the neighbourhood a greener, more vibrant place where people are prioritised. The council worked with residents, businesses and other members of the community to devise the scheme that is more people focused.
The transformed road now boasts new public spaces where children can play, as well as more equal access to the road for those who walk, cycle, scoot or wheel.
Deputy leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “I am delighted that we were able hold our own World Car Free Day event at our Kennington Reimagined project that has already made a positive impact on the people who live, work, or travel through the area.
“World Car Free Day is a vital reminder that we can all work together to change how we use our streets and local roads, so that people are put first. It shows there is a great deal of support, not just in London but across the world.
“Events like World Car Free Day and projects like Kennington Reimagined show what can be achieved when you take bold, decisive action and work with communities to make local streets safer and more climate resilient so that everyone benefits.”
