A scheme to help people with special needs ride bikes saw more than 2,000 people hire a bike last year.

The Inclusive Cycling Scheme at Bush Hill Park meant people could hire adapted bikes with many holding two riders as well as bikes for wheel chair users.

To mark the success a special day was put on for free cycle rides in the park, on Southbury Road, with guess speaker and celebrity sports trainer Richard Callender welcoming the keen cyclists.

Cllr Daniel Anderson, Enfield council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “This fantastic scheme demonstrates the popularity of cycling in Enfield and supports our determination to encourage people of all abilities and in all parts of the borough to cycle.

“As part of the ‘Cycle Enfield’ initiative focusing on cycling for health, reducing traffic congestion, creating safer routes and just having healthy fun, the inclusive scheme is a winner.

“It builds on the £30 million from the Mayor of London’s Mini-Holland fund to develop safer cycling routes and create a more cycle friendly environment in Enfield. Cycling is definitely a rewarding and efficient means of transport in Enfield and we want to get as many people as possible on their bikes.”

Peter Cripps, from Bush Hill Park, who used the service, added: “The staff are very good at helping me as I have not been cycling for 17 years. I am 84 years old and this scheme enables me to get back on a regular bike. With a bit of encouragement it all just came back to me.

“It is a wonderful feeling to get into the open and cycle round the park. I can assure everybody that the old saying is true – once you know how to ride a bike – you never really forget – and for me it has been an exhilarating experience getting back in the saddle.”

People are now being asked to donate their old bikes to special needs school West Lea, in Edmonton, who are learning how to repair and maintain them at their school shop in the North Mall at Edmonton Green.