The mayor of London's Skyride

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson (centre) is joined by Chris Hoy (right) and Kelly Brook (left) on the event in central London to promote cycling in the city Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

A group of riders led by Chris Hoy participate in the Skyride yesterday Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

The Skyride viewed from the air near Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square Photograph: Claire R Greenway/Getty Images for Sky

Tens of thousands of cyclists rode in central London, which was closed to traffic for the day Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

The 15km route began at Buckingham Palace and went through Victoria Embankment up to Tower Hill, covering the Square Mile Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

Transport for London said the event was meant to encourage less confident cyclists and their families to see London Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

A piano-playing cyclist makes his way towards Buckingham Palace Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for Sky

A woman cycles in a wedding dress Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

Cyclists in top hats Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Sky

Cyclists on The Mall Photograph: Claire R Greenway/Getty Images for Sky

The Skyride was the final event in a series of five rides that have taken place across the country Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for Sky

Cyclists in Manchester, Hounslow, Glasgow and Leicester have also taken part in Skyrides throughout the summer Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for Sky

This year, organisers added a large rest area in St James's park Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for Sky