Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 25 June 2003
For immediate release
Ref THW15post-BikeWeek250603
Bike Week a great success for Tower Hamlets Wheelers
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers (1) celebrated cycling in style during National
Bike Week last week (14-22 June). Fourteen events mainly organised by the
Wheelers but also organised by LBTH, other LCC groups, Transport for London,
Royal London Hospital at Whitechapel, Cycle Training Ltd and the Company of
Cyclists showcased cycling to residents of Tower Hamlets.
Wheelers Co-ordinator Owen Pearson says:
"It was the best Bike Week ever and hopefully we've encouraged more people
to get out their bikes and take up cycling for transport and to help keep
fit and have fun. If you need any help or advice on cycling the Wheelers are
on hand so do contact us."
Family Fun Day in Victoria Park on 14 June saw people new or returning to
cycling having cycling lessons provided by TfL and LBTH via Cycle Training
Ltd; a visit by Jenny Jones, deputy Mayor of London; Bo the Cycling Clown
wowed crowds on his over-sized bike on stilts, punch and judy show
transported by bike and miniature working bike; Dr Bike fix loads of bikes
for free; face painting; obstacle course; and much information on local
cycling handed out to passers by.
Eastway Cycling Day at the Lee Valley Cycle Circuit on 15 June saw road
safety stalls from Newham council; more Dr Bike sessions - this time with
other LCC groups; time trials and races; a panel discussion providing a
heated debate about local transport issues; and the Newham Wombles providing
dumped bikes for free.
16 & 17 June saw the Company of Cyclists demonstrate weird and wonderful
bikes at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, with a cyclists' breakfast
on 16 June and the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and deputy Mayor of London
attending (these events organised by LBTH).
18 June saw a free cyclists' breakfast on popular cycle route Narrow Street
with a cycle tour "East End on Screen" that evening describing the many and
varied locations in Tower Hamlets that have been used in films (alternative
title: "Reels on Wheels"). This ride was extremely well attended so watch
out for the sequel!
19 June saw an evening ride "Useful Places Tour" taking cyclists round the
borough showing sports centres, shops, cafes, parks, canals and comedy
venues.
20/21 June saw the Midsummer Madness bike ride at 2am on Sat 21 June where
hundreds of cyclists from across London cycling through deserted streets to
watch the sun come up on Primrose Hill.
21 June saw the sixth Great Beigal Race where various forms of transport
dashed across the borough with their precious beigals to see who was the
fastest. The winner was a local cyclist Colin Waters completing the five
mile journey from Brick Lane Beigal Bake to Island Gardens in 17 minutes.
The slowest was Dave Allison who took the bus in 41 minutes. Also taking
part was a motorcyclist who had to bow out due to his motorbike having a
flat battery, Rayna Milkova whose mission was to hail a black cab, Manda
Helal on her brightly coloured adult tricycle, Reverend Alan Green on his
recumbent bicycle, new cyclist Bal Khela (who has only recently learned to
ride with the help of the Wheelers) and two users of fold-up bicycles who
took them on the DLR after cycling to the station.
The grand finale was the Pedalling Picnic on 22 June in association with
Sustrans who are building the national cycle network. Dozens of new and
experienced cyclists joined the tour of Route 1 through Mile End Park, the
Isle of Dogs, Greenwich Park, then back up to Victoria Park for a delicious
picnic.
ends
Further info
please contact Alix Stredwick alix@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk tel 020 8880
6873 or mobile 07903 606330
Notes for editors
(1) The Tower Hamlets Wheelers is the local cycle action group in the east
London Borough of Tower Hamlets, campaigning for better cycling facilities
and encouraging more people to cycle - for health, the environment and for
London. The Wheelers are affiliated to the London Cycling Campaign, the
largest urban cycling campaign in the world.
Wheelers main contact details:
(Alix Stredwick should be contacted for media enquiries: 020 8880 6873
alix@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk unless you want photos in which case
contact Owen below.)
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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