Ride described as “biggest in Enfield for many years” with wide range of ages and abilities taking part

A community bike ride in Enfield has been hailed as a “huge success” and as “one of the biggest” in the borough for many years after more than 100 people took part.

Last weekend’s ride was organised by Enfield Cycling Campaign, together with Better Streets for Enfield, in conjunction with Enfield Council. The eight-mile ride made use of the C1 segregated route along Hertford Road, between Edmonton Green and Enfield Wash, before circling around Albany Park and turning back.

While most of the riders were from Enfield, some had travelled from further afield to join in, including from as far away as South London. They ranged from small children using stabilisers to people using tandem bikes and even a ‘bike taxi’ carrying non-riders.

Local cycling instructor David Hilliard was one of the organisers. He said: “This was one of the biggest organised rides in Enfield for many years and was a huge success. The aim of the ride was to encourage residents to get on a bike and highlight some of the great cycling infrastructure in the borough.

“Also, the social aspect of the ride was very important, as it gave riders the opportunity to interact and hear from others about their cycling stories. There was a real feel-good factor on the ride which was helped by having lots of families and young people.”

Among the riders on the day were councillors including cabinet members Ergin Erbil, Rick Jewell, Chinelo Anyanwu and Ayten Guzel.

David added: “There was lots of lovely feedback from participants. There were many inexperienced cyclists on the ride and many commented on how the presence of trained ride leaders and marshals helped the ride run smoothly and gave them a reassuring presence.

“Also there was a trained bike mechanic supporting the ride which came in handy when one of the mums on the ride had a puncture!”

Enfield Cycling Campaign organisers a number of events through the year and the next one planned is on 28th May, when there will be two Enfield ‘feeder’ rides leading into a mass-participation Ride London event in central London, taking place on traffic-free streets. 

One participant from Sunday’s community bike ride said: “My daughter loved every minute, and became more confident on the cycle lanes as the ride went on.”

Another added: “I was so impressed by the kids on this ride who did brilliantly.”

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