Hundreds of cyclists lined up outside the Colliers Wood Sava Centre on Sunday to take part in an organised ride along the banks of the Wandle endorsed by Olympic hero Chris Hoy.

The event was initiated by Britain’s victorious cycling team and the Mayor of London in a bid to get more people on their bike, and was among the first in a series of planned rides that will take in the capital’s most picturesque areas.

Sunday’s route, led by instructors from the project known as Skyride took the group along the historic river passing former industrial sites from a bygone age.

Hoy, a triple gold medalist from last year’s Olympics, said: “Whether you want to take some time out by yourself or enjoy a ride with family or friends, I’d encourage as many people as possible in the area to saddle up and get involved.

“As much as cycling is my day job, I love getting on my bike at the weekend to wind down and it’s a fantastic way to see a city in a new light.”

Wimbledon-based cycling instructor, Fred Ellis, said: “Cycling is great for the environment and great for health. These sorts of event always have a tremendous impact.

“On all the organised rides I’ve been involved, people who wouldn’t usually go for a long bike ride discover what a great way it is to get around. It’s brilliant that Merton’s been chosen as part of the scheme and shows what a great place it is to go cycling.”

The ride follows on from the London Freewheel event which saw 50,000 riders descend on central London from all direction including a peloton setting off from Merton.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "This summer's events give Londoners a great opportunity to get themselves into the saddle and try out the cleanest greenest, healthiest way of getting around town.

For more information see goskyride.com.

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