More than 200 people - aged from 5 to 65 - took part in last Sunday's inaugural Enfield Cycling Festival, exploring some of the borough's newest cycle routes and its leafiest parkland.
Young cyclists back in Enfield Town after their 6-mile ride
The cycling festival, organised by Enfield Cycling Campaign and Enfield Council, with the participation of Better Streets for Enfield and local cycling groups, was run in coordination with the Enfield Society, who led a walk showcasing some of the historic buildings in the locality, as well as running an information stall on the Library Green. The Library Green was also the venue for cycling-related activities organised by the council's Journeys and Places team, including an obstacle course for young riders, on-the-spot cycle maintenance by Dr Bike and a rare opportunity to pedal a "smoothie bike".
How to make a smoothie and get some exercise at the same time
Guided and kept safe by experienced ride marshals, the large group of cyclists made their way along Church Street to access the recently created cycle route north through the Willow Estate. They then used part of the brand new walking and cycling path alongside the New River, which will eventually go all the way to Broxbourne, before turning west and making their way alongside the Turkey Brook to Forty Hall for a short comfort break. Then back to the Turkey Brook and through Hilly Fields Park (sensibly avoiding the hilliest parts), past Gordon Hill station and along a network of quiet paths and streets to Chase Green and Enfield Town.
The Enfield event was one of a number throughout the capital, all adding up to create the London Cycling Festival.
Alex Atherton, coordinator of Enfield Cycling Campaign, said: "This has been the biggest event of the inaugural London Cycling Festival. It shows the appetite amongst the borough's families to get around by bicycle when they feel safe to do so."
Photos by Katrina Campbell
Setting off along Church Street in Enfield Town
Arriving at Forty Hall
Leaving Forty Hall
After the ride - back at the Library Green
Members of Enfield Council's Journeys and Places team at the cycling festival (Scheherezade, Alex, Tina and Liz) were joined by Vera Vajda, the council's climate action and sustainability lead, who was promoting the tools library that will be opening in Palmers Green this summer
