Looking back for inspiration to cycle in the World's Biggest Bike Ride

We’re all excited to get out riding our bikes and trikes on 30 May, for the fun and enjoyment it brings us. There are so many different reasons why we all cycle – whether it’s health, wellbeing, transport, or environmental concerns – but one thing we’re confident on, is that we all love it! The World’s Biggest Bike Ride is all about getting out and celebrating that love, but we also want to encourage more people to give it a go, and to stand up for cycling.

Evans Cycles, the UK specialist bike retailer, has begun celebrations for its centenary - marking 100 years on the British high street – and that history fits perfectly with the message behind the World’s Biggest Bike Ride.

100 years ago

In 1921, a hard-riding touring cyclist and cycling advocate - F.W. Evans - opened a small shop on Kennington Road in south east London. As a one-time editor of Cycling (now known today as Cycling Weekly) and author of a pamphlet extolling the benefits of a new style of the 'lightweight' bicycle, Evans was focussed on using innovative design to open up cycling to the masses.

Being awarded the Cyclists’ Touring Club's (CTC) first award for innovative 'cycle design, construction or equipment' in 1925, F.W. Evans' newfound quick-release and reversible rear wheel - known as the “Evans drop-out" - went on to influence modern cycle design for years to come.

Fast forward to 2021, millions of repaired punctures and countless ‘new bike day’ memories later, and Evans Cycles is now one of the UK’s specialist bike retailers. With over 50 physical stores across the country, its 700+ employees and fully qualified mechanics share a common goal in helping Britain’s cyclists ‘Enjoy the Ride’.     

And the dream of F.W. Evans continues today with the World’s Biggest Bike Ride, as we hope to continue to open up cycling to all and inspire millions more to get cycling.

By getting out and riding, together on one day, we can show everyone not only how great cycling is, but how important it can be to influence our future. The more people that take part in the World’s Biggest Bike Ride, the more of an impact we will have, with a stronger voice to shout about how much of difference cycling can make.

Cycling can – and will – make the world a better place; it improves our health, our wellbeing, our air quality, our ability to travel safely, which is why we are calling on anyone who likes riding bikes to go for a spin on 30 May.

Support from Evans Cycles

Having endured wars, economic crashes, and three different monarchs, the road ahead hasn’t always been smooth. Just like the humble bicycle though, Evans Cycles’ metaphorical wheels have always kept turning. Adapting with the advancement of new technologies and undergoing a few cosmetic changes along the way, both have served the British public in times of need. A trend which continues now more than ever during the recent coronavirus pandemic. 

2021 marks the centenary year of Evans Cycles. In order to mark 100 years on the UK high street, the leading bike retailer is attempting to recreate cycling's modal share during its heyday of 1949: estimated at a whopping 37% (more than that in the Netherlands today).

Evans Cycles is calling all those in the London area taking part in the World’s Biggest Bike Ride to cycle over Blackfriars Bridge between 11am and 1pm. Using Google's Artificial Intelligence algorithm, a video camera will count passing riders and traffic. All those who ride through will also be treated to a free barista coffee and a birthday cupcake at its pop-up on the south side of the bridge!

The World’s Biggest Bike Ride is the perfect opportunity to showcase cycling and demonstrate all the benefits it brings us as individuals and communities. We’re calling on everyone who loves to ride to stand up and be counted, get outside and ride together on the 30 May. Will you join us?