MEDAL-WINNING paralympic cyclists Sarah and Barney Storey and television presenter Jeff Brazier joined about 7,000 people for the borough's Sky Ride, as part of a campaign championed by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and aimed at promoting cycling to Londoners.
Riders started at the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in Minet Country Park and the nine-kilometre route around Hayes passed through Barra Hall Park and the town centre.
Roads were closed for the event, with buskers providing a soundtrack to the afternoon's events. Experienced riders were on hand to give visitors advice about maintaining wheels and getting involved in competitive racing.
Hillingdon Council collaborated with the Mayor of London, the sports governing body British Cycling, and Sky for the event.
Councillor Henry Higgins, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "I am thrilled so many people had the opportunity to cycle in a traffic-free Hillingdon and enjoy some of the many wonderful parks and green spaces the borough has to offer.
"Cycling is a fantastic way to get around and I hope the event will have enthused more of our residents to take up the activity and explore Hillingdon further."
* Hillingdon is one of 13 London boroughs to be given extra funding towards cycle facilities as a recognised 'biking borough'.
The council is consulting its Street Champions about the best places for cycle stands and additional benches on roads and in parks and other green spaces.
