HUNDREDS of cyclists from Kingston and Richmond got on their bikes for Kingston Race and Equality Council's annual Bike Across Cultures last Saturday.

The event, in Richmond Park, aims to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel, and also as a way to bring together residents from different backgrounds and cultures.

Those without bikes were able to borrow one for the day or enjoy a group walk around the park instead. Also on offer were complimentary therapies including Indian head massage and reiki.

Organiser John Azah, director of Kingston Race and Equality Council, said the day was a great success. "We hope we can build on it and start teaching people from ethnic minorities to cycle and promote it as a way of keeping fit. It was good to see people of all ages and ethnicities there – especially older people who would not usually be able to get to the park."