Bicycle Film Festival 2011 - celebrating two wheels

Louise Gebbett

03 October 2011

Something special is going on at the Barbican arts centre in London. From 6-9 October film, art, music and parties will be converging in one almighty celebration of the bike.

The festival is packed full of interesting stuff, from the world premiere of 'Racing Towards Red Hook', to a documentary 'Sunchasers' exploring competitive cycling through the lives of three women with disabilities.

Herds of bicycle enthusiasts will flock to the capital for the spectacle, and of course to celebrate what has to be one of the world's best inventions - the bike.

Some may disagree with that statement.

Can the humble bike really be described as the world best invention?

Having given this some thought, I think yes. It may not be the most glamorous, high-tech or modern, but what else gets you from A to B while being flexible, healthy, environmentally friendly, cheap and accessible, and standing the test of time?

Plus it's enjoyable. Cycling is a sport, a hobby, a way to get together with friends and family. And it's often the quickest way to pick up the Sunday paper.

It's a bit like owning a dog - before you know it, your bike has become your best friend and you wouldn't go anywhere without it.

If you're a keen cyclist why not sign up to the Friends of the Earth Big Green Bike Ride? The 500-mile London to Edinburgh cycle challenge is set to be a fantastic adventure across some of the UK's most picturesque countryside. It takes place in May 2012 - there's plenty of time to train.

Louise Gebbett, Big Green Bike Ride

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