A CYCLING event aimed at encouraging Londoners to use their bikes more in the capital attracted tens of thousands of people.

Central London became a car-free zone for the annual London Freewheel event, which attracted an estimated 50,000 cyclists on September 21.

Organised by London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London, the 12km route began near Buckingham Palace and ended at Victoria Park in east London.

Mr Johnson said: “Many Londoners own bikes but aren’t using them regularly.

“The aim of the London Freewheel is to celebrate cycling and encourage people in London to use it as a way of getting around and making the most of the city.”