Enfield Council welcomed experienced and new cyclists to test ride the completed A105 route
– Riders treated to free bike checks, security marking and Urbo trials
– Completion of the route is an important landmark for Enfield’s pioneering cycle scheme
Mums, together with their families came out in force on Sunday (11 March) to celebrate both Mother’s Day and the completion of the A105 Palmers Green to Enfield Town cycle lanes.
Enfield Council hosted a family ride along the A105, while promoting the wider health benefits of cycling. In addition, participants were treated to bicycle checks from ‘Dr Bike’ and security marking from Enfield Police, while adults were also given the opportunity to test ride the new Urbo dockless bikes – all for free.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Daniel Anderson said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see so many people celebrating the culmination of three years’ of hard work with the completion of the A105 cycle lanes.
“As the scheme has developed we have gradually seen ever more people – young and old alike – using the lightly segregated lanes with increased confidence. At our family ride we witnessed literally hundreds of people on their bikes riding the route en masse, which was a truly phenomenal experience.”
Sunday’s family ride marks the completion of the first phase of the multi-million Cycle Enfield project, primarily funded by the Mayor of London and Transport for London. Work has already begun on the A1010 South which will then be followed by the A1010 North. The measures being rolled out across the borough will ensure Enfield becomes a natural environment for cycling; a safe, practical and everyday choice for everyone.
As well as the completion of the A105, Enfield Council has recently launched a new partnership with Haringey Council to continue to provide a range of activities for those interested in taking up cycling or who are looking to enhance their cycling skills. Enfield’s previous scheme trained over 3,500 residents in 2017 alone.
The Mayor of London’s Walking & Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, also attended the family ride. He said: “This family ride has been a great way to show how these car-dominated roads have been transformed into safe and welcoming streets for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages. The improvements that have been made to the roads of Enfield are a wonderful example of what can be achieved, and exactly what we’d like to see right across the capital.”
Mohamed Masood, Enfield resident, who attended the ride with his family trialled the dockless bikes and rode the cycle lanes alongside his son. He said: “The lanes look great…As a result of this cycle scheme I feel confident enough to allow my son to ride along the lanes.”
Those interested in finding out more about what Cycle Enfield can do for you and your area should visit <http://www.cycleenfield.co.uk>. Follow the team on Twitter @CycleEnfield or on Facebook.
