MORE than 50 cyclists left Walthamstow in convoy today to travel to central London.

Adults and children gathered outside Walthamstow library in the high street to travel together to an event in central London to promote cycling in the city.

The free event, organised by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in partnership with Sky, is in its third year and the Waltham Forest cyclists will travel 15k to join thousands on arrival.

Sam Syer and Phil Jacob, of Westbury Road, Walthamstow, were taking their three children, Mila, Orin and Siri, for the second time.

Ms Syer said: “There was a great atmosphere last time, so it should be good.”

Laurence Ruben, 62, a driver of Riverhead Close, Walthamstow, said: “There were 38,000 people in the first year and more last year and they are expecting this year to be bigger. I think people feel safe cycling into the city in a group.”

Roads in central London were closed to drivers from 10am to 4pm.

Cyclists travelled past Buckingham Palace and went through Victoria Embankment up to Tower Hill, covering the Square Mile.

Mayor Boris Johnson, actress Kelly Brook, Olympic medallist Sir Chris Hoy and TV presenter Gethin Jones took part in the event.