The London Cycling Festival is heading to Barking for the first time, bringing a day of free cycling activities and family entertainment to the town centre.

The festival will take place in Barking Town Centre on Sunday 20 September, running from 10am until 2pm. It is being organised by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, alongside the council and the London Cycling Festival team.

The event aims to encourage more residents to get on their bikes, with activities suitable for different ages and cycling abilities.

Free cycling activities

Visitors will be able to take part in bubble bikes, head-to-head static bike challenges and try a selection of adapted cycles.

Free ‘Dr Bike’ safety and maintenance checks will also be available, while residents can join family-friendly guided cycle rides or take part in a heritage walk around Barking Town Centre.

The festival follows investment in cycling infrastructure across Barking and Dagenham, including 44 secure bike hangars and 7.1km of new and improved cycle lanes. School and social cycle training programmes are also being supported across the borough.

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said the festival would provide a free day out for people of all ages and described its first visit to the borough as a “great honour”.

Victoria Spashett, Be First’s Active Travel and Behaviour Change Manager, said residents would be able to receive bike maintenance advice, improve their cycling confidence and explore routes around the borough through guided rides.

London Cycling Campaign Chief Executive Tom Fyans welcomed Barking and Dagenham’s involvement, saying the festival would demonstrate that cycling could be safe and enjoyable regardless of age or ability.

The London Cycling Festival takes place in Barking Town Centre from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 20 September and activities are free to attend.