BikeFest is a Tour de Force!

Almost 10,000 people flocked to Abbey Green on Saturday (21 May) to enjoy the fun in the sun at Barking first ever BikeFest, sponsored by Amazon Key.

As well as the professional Tour Series cycle races, which were televised on Sunday night ITV4, residents enjoyed a huge range of activities including BMX bike displays, Salsa dancing workshops, live music, electric vehicles, information stalls from local campaign groups, and children’s entertainment.

The community races, supported by Willmott Dixon and Weston Homes, gave hundreds of local people – aged from 3 to 64 - the opportunity to compete on the professional racetrack, under the enthusiastic gaze of their friends and loved ones.

There was also an all-abilities Cycle 4 All race – sponsored by EcoWorld – which demonstrated how inclusive cycling can be and providing an opportunity for disabled residents to cross the finish line and receive a medal.

Councillor Ashraf said “BikeFest was a huge success and it did exactly what it was meant to do: promoting sustainable and healthy travel in fun and creative way.

“Residents were involved on the track, on the electric vehicles and on the dance floor - it was wonderful to see.”

Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First Regeneration, said: “Sustainability is central to our mission to accelerate regeneration for the people of Barking and Dagenham, and BikeFest really illustrated this.

“It demonstrated just how exciting, varied and practical cycling can be - from professional racing and daredevil stunts to everyday commuting and electric Lime bikes. We hope it will help to start a cycling revolution, to improve air quality and reduce traffic and congestion in the borough.”