A cycle lane marked out with tulips made from recycled waste plastic has opened in central London.
The brightly coloured, flower-topped wands - with replica green stalks - have been installed in Sussex Gardens in Bayswater, with the aim of making cycle lanes “safer, greener, and more beautiful”.
The “Tulip Cycle Wands” will be officially opened on Sunday as part of the London Cycling Festival being held over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Designed by award-winning architects Pitman Tozer, the flexible tulip-shaped wands are made with recycled plastic collected by Westminster council.
They are designed to be more visible to drivers than conventional black-and-white wands, which should reduce the risk of vehicles entering the cycle lane.
Luke Tozer, director of Pitman Tozer Architects, said: "We believe cities can be safer, greener, and more beautiful all at once.
“The Tulip Cycle Wands show how small, joyful changes can make a big difference, not just for cyclists, but for everyone moving through the city."
The London Cycling Festival, organised by the London Cycling Campaign, is being held as a replacement for Transport for London’s annual Ride London festival, which is on sabbatical this year after a linked professional cycling race was moved.
Events such as family-friendly rides are taking place in 25 boroughs, with some streets being temporarily being made traffic-free.
There will be bike markets, Dr Bikes, BMX events, obstacle courses, music and a bicycle ballet.
Hackney council is hosting Hackney Sunday Streets, a 2km closed road circuit in Hoxton with rides, activities and entertainment.
The Hounslow Cycling Mela will feature The Bicycle Ballet Company.
Events are also being held on Saturday at Hammersmith bridge, which recently reopened to cyclists and pedestrians.
Lime, which is one of the event sponsors, will offer free e-bike rides in a number of boroughs.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “The new London Cycling Festival is an exciting opportunity for even more Londoners to experience the freedom and joy of cycling, with more than 30 family-friendly rides and entertainment across 14 boroughs.
“These marshalled rides are a fun way for those new to cycling or less confident on a bike to give it a go.”
Tom Fyans, chief executive of London Cycling Campaign, said: “We’re so excited to be working with Lime and councils across London to put on this festival.
“May’s a perfect time to get out and cycle in your area, and LCC’s inclusive rides mean even if you and your family don’t get out and cycle together normally, you can on May 25, with our marshalled family-friendly group rides. This is a perfect moment to celebrate London’s amazing cycling together.”
Hal Stevenson, Lime’s director of policy UK and Ireland, said: “Lime is committed to getting even more Londoners cycling and this event is a great way to do it.
“Twenty per cent of our users haven't cycled before in London and 60 per cent cycle much more often after trying us out.”
Caroline Woodley, mayor of Hackney, said: “Creating fun, social, and safe cycling zones is a brilliant way to encourage more people to explore London by bike.
“Hackney will be transforming streets into vibrant, car-free festival zones on May 25 with free cycling, walking and wheeling activities.”
