Even before the official announced gathering time of 7:30am, people of all ages kept pouring into Zamalek in Cairo on Friday, ready to take part in the Netherlands' embassy's fourth annual Orange Bike ride.

Despite the brisk morning weather, the streets were dotted with bright shades of orange, the colour donned by most of the participants.

At 7:30am, people were invited for tea or coffee at the embassy and an hour later the mass bike ride began, with cyclists making their way along a pre-planned route in the streets of Zamalek for an hour and a half.

This was the fourth annual bike event organised by the embassy; last year the number of participants exceeded 3,000.

The event aims to share the Netherlands' famed love of cycling with Egyptians. 

Photos: Mai Shaheen