The Big Ride - London

The Cycling Embassy of Great Britain urges all bicycle riders in and around London to support this ride

From the London Cycling Campaign Website:

'On 28 April, just days before the 2012 mayoral election, join the UK's biggest closed-road bike ride in support of safe and inviting streets for cycling.

The Big Ride, in support of our Love London, Go Dutch campaign (if you haven't already, please sign our petition), will meet on Park Lane, near Marble Arch (see the route) at 11am (for 11.30am start – UPDATED 14/3/12).

With streets closed to motor traffic, it promises to be a fabulous springtime day out in central London, suitable for all the family. 

And there'll be feeder rides from every London borough: you can see some of the start points here, with more to be added in the run-up to the event. 

Expect music, drinks with friends and family, footie or frisbee in the park with the kids, and excitement as the ride passes some of London's greatest landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

The ride will end at on the Victoria Embankment, near Blackfriars Bridge, around 2pm.

Blackfriars was the scene of a 2500-person strong ride in 2011 calling for a more people-friendly design of the northern junction.

As well as entertainment, there'll also be the serious message that our mayoral candidates must commit to making our streets safe and inviting for cycling.

And if you need some inspiration, stick around for the rally on the Victora Embankment, where inspiring speakers will wow the crowds.

The more people that join us, the bigger will be the signal we send to the mayoral candidates - that's it's time for radical change in London to redesign busy roads, residential and shopping streets, and major junctions to make them safe for cycling.

And remember, you don’t have to ride the route: you can walk, skate or rollerblade too.

We also welcome fancy dress, banners, flags and anything else we can do to help create a carnival atmosphere.

Yes, we’re riding because of the serious issue of the inadequate and often dangerous conditions for cycling in London...

...but we’re also riding because we have a vision of how to make it so much better for cyclists, pedestrians and in fact everyone who lives in London.

We're also inviting cyclists from all over the UK, to share our passion for better conditions for cycling, and put pressure on their own local decision-makers.

So friends, all across London and the nation, please join in this special day on Saturday 28 April.'