Cyclists celebrate World Car-free Day with ride in Archway

Cyclists and local businesses have celebrated World Car-Free Day (Friday, 22 September) with a guided ride around the new Archway town centre, part of which has been permanently closed to traffic.

In an event hosted by Islington Council through Archway ZEN, in partnership with Cycle Islington, riders were led on a social cycle designed to familiarise them with the new approaches to Archway, taking advantage of the recently opened segregated cycle ways.

Cyclists were also invited to enjoy a “Bike Lovers Breakfast” with free bike checks by Dr Bike, as well as information on cycle training and services.

This year’s multi-million pound regeneration of Archway Town Centre included permanently closing a stretch of road beside the former gyratory, making a much more pleasant environment for walkers and cyclists.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said:

“We’re really proud that on this World Car Free Day we can celebrate the permanent closure of what was previously a traffic clogged and fume-filled stretch of road, opening space for alternative forms of transport like walking and cycling.

“Islington council has an important role to play in encouraging people to consider switching to sustainable transport, and projects like the transformation of Archway are a big part of that.

“But educational activities like these are also important to help ensure people are aware of the support that is available. Making the choice to commute by walking or cycling is not only a healthier and more sustainable option, it can also be an easy one.”

Alison Dines, co-ordinator of Cycle Islington, said:

“Any event which encourages cycling is a good thing, especially if it is aimed at people who don’t usually ride a bike.

"Now that the area around Archway has been redesigned we hope that more residents, and businesses, will consider using bikes for local journeys and an event like this is a great way to raise awareness of such possibilities”.