Hundreds of cyclists streamed through Oxford Street in “defiance” of a cycling ban, as campaigners branded the pedestrianisation scheme a “missed opportunity”.

Around 600 riders taking part in London’s monthly Critical Mass demonstration rode along the 1km stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch at around 10.30pm on Friday night.

Footage shows cyclists flooding the street, with some performing wheelies and tricks while others blasted music and lit up the route with flashing lights.

The ride came just days after Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation was launched, with cars, bikes, e-scooters, taxis and buses banned from the stretch.

Critical Mass is a leaderless cycling movement whose monthly rides act as peaceful demonstrations, highlighting the need for better cycling infrastructure.

Organisers said riders passed through the barriers without interference from security staff, with participants travelling on everything from tandems, penny-farthings and cargo bikes to accessibility bikes and wheelchairs.

Pedestrians stopped to film the procession as it passed, with the ride bringing its trademark carnival atmosphere to the shopping street.

Battery-powered sound systems were mounted on trailers that provided the soundtrack to the event.

Paul, who takes part in Critical Mass, described the ride as "a peaceful demonstration of the continuing demand for safe, direct cycling access through central London.

“From the very early days of Critical Mass, when it was called the CHARM ride (Cyclists Have A Right to Move), we've been asking for all of Zone 1 to be made motor-traffic free.

“So this is a welcome step, but pedestrianisation should not come at the expense of active travel,” he said.

He added: “It would have been easy to create a bike lane on this part of the street, with metal fences and calming measures to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists were properly demarcated for safety.

“It's a positive development but also a huge missed opportunity."

Marlene, another participant, said "Oxford Street belongs to people. Taking out motor traffic is a positive step, but banning cycling without first providing safe and direct alternatives along parallel roads either north or south of the closed part is not a sustainable transport policy.

“Thousands of riders used Oxford Street every day, including carbon-free deliveries with cargo bikes to businesses in the area.

“Cyclists will either continue to use the route, stop cycling, or be forced onto indirect and potentially less safe streets.

“None of those choices forced on us represents good transport planning."

The London Cycling Campaign has previously warned that banning bikes without providing convenient alternative routes could leave some riders continuing to use Oxford Street, while forcing others onto fragmented and potentially hostile routes through Mayfair and Marylebone.

Campaigners have called on Westminster City Council to speed up the delivery of high-quality east-west cycle routes near Oxford Street.

The first phase of the Oxford Street pedestrianisation scheme began on Monday, October 26.

Private cars, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cycles, e-scooters, and pedicabs are banned from the traffic-free stretch.

Mobility scooters and emergency vehicles will still be granted access, while freight and servicing vehicles can access the area strictly between midnight and 7am via approved routes.

While the initial rollout will be an opportunity for authorities to learn and gather data on traffic displacement, air quality, and local impacts, more permanent measures are expected to be implemented next year.

Permanent surface raising to pavement level, planting, benches, safety bollards, and temporary public event spaces are scheduled for completion in Spring 2027.