Old petrol station at Elephant & Castle will be hub for cyclists on Car Free Day

Folding bike firm Brompton’s is using a dilapidated former petrol station as a hub for cyclists tomorrow (Thursday) – to mark World Car Free Day.

World Car Free Day is promoted as an opportunity for towns and cities around the world to enable people to experience streets free of motor traffic and re-imagine their local environment. 

The petrol station is between Borough Road and Newington Causeway near Elephant & Castle and, between 8am-8pm, will offer test rides and track facilities for both standard and electric bikes.

There will also be Brompton Bike Hire dock, a consultation station with the climate charity Possible, refreshments for the morning rush of commuters, and alcohol-free beer in the evening for those heading home.  

Will Butler-Adams, chief executive of Brompton Bicycle said: ‘’For too long, our cities have been dominated by the most inefficient mode of transport – the private car. We have long sought to highlight the benefits that increased levels of cycling and walking would bring to society.  

‘’What better way to do that, than to totally re-imagine a space formerly used as a petrol station. Our cities have changed and are continuing to change.

“We hope that turning a dilapidated old petrol station into a green transport hub will show people what’s possible when it comes to their own perception of what cities are for. 

’We also hope that this inspires people to ask more from politicians, and expect better from our streets than the current high levels of traffic and toxic air pollution.’’  

Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for London, who is planning to attend, said: ‘’With the realities of the impacts of climate change becoming ever clearer, it has never been more important to re-imagine how we move around our cities. Car Free Day gives us an opportunity to do just that, and experience streets which prioritise people over cars.”

Hirra Khan Adeogun, head of Car Free Cities at Possible said: ‘’So much of our public space is dominated by private cars and we all deserve better.  

‘’Taking over a petrol station will help people envision a bold alternative to the status quo, showing that space in cities can put people before cars and that doing so benefits us all.” 

Pictured top: Artist’s impression of the hub being put together. (Picture: Brompton)