Sky Ride returns to Leeds
With just days to go before the Tour De Yorkshire passes through Leeds, we are all being urged to get on our bikes again this summer.
With just days to go before the Tour De Yorkshire passes through Leeds, we are all being urged to get on our bikes again this summer.
It's been confirmed that Sky Ride will return for a fourth time later this year.
The streets of Leeds will be closed to traffic on Sunday 17th July as thousands of people descend on the city in celebration of all things cycling.
Sky Rides are big, celebratory cycling events which take over a town or city centre so lots of cyclists of all ages and abilities can ride safely together on a traffic-free route and in 2016 Sky Ride will be celebrating its one-millionth Sky Rider across all events in the series. With a real festival atmosphere, they’re a fun day out for families and friends to enjoy, with loads to do both on and off a bike, and completely free.
Sky Ride Leeds is always very popular so British Cycling and Sky recommend that people register their free place at GoSkyRide.com ahead of the event to take advantage of some special offers and encourage their family and friends to do the same.
Since hosting its first Sky Ride event in 2013, over 24,000 participants have taken part in the Leeds event, which along with British Cycling and Sky’s other cycling initiatives has helped to increase the cycling activity of local residents leading to a saving of more than £1m in healthcare costs related to inactivity.
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing and adults said: “We are delighted to welcome back Sky Ride to Leeds, which, now in its fourth year, has really captured the imagination and inspired so many people of all ages to get on their bikes and have fun.
“The enthusiasm from the people of Leeds to cycling is continuing to grow at a great pace thanks to events that have taken place in the city over recent years such as Sky Ride and the Grand Départ. With Otley also hosting a stage of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2016, this year’s Sky Ride is another fantastic opportunity for people to discover why cycling is such a great activity to take up, whatever your ability or standard.
“With the city centre also closed to traffic as part of Sky Ride this really does add to the unique atmosphere and experience of the event, and we can’t wait to see another big crowd to take part this July.”
Sir Chris Hoy, Sky Ambassador said: "Over the past eight years, tens of thousands of local cyclists have taken to the streets of Leeds as a result of the successful British Cycling and Sky partnership and we look forward to making 2016’s Sky Ride Leeds the biggest and best yet.”
David Bourque, British Cycling’s Director of Recreation and Partnerships said: “We are delighted to once again bring a big traffic-free cycling event to Leeds in 2016. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride Leeds it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun.”
In addition to Sky Ride, British Cycling will continue to work with Leeds City Council to offer lots more cycling opportunities in 2016 with Sky Ride Local, local guided rides; Ride Social, a great way to buddy up and ride with like-minded cyclists; Breeze bike rides for women; and Go-Ride, British Cycling's development programme for children.
“As the governing body of cycling in Great Britain, we’re the only organisation that supports cycling for everyone; from children and families to competitors at all levels – including the world-beating Great Britain Cycling Team,” said David Bourque. “Throughout 2016 and beyond, British Cycling along with Sport England will continue to provide a number of cycling opportunities for Leeds, and are both committed to getting more people on their bikes than ever before.”
Ian Murray, Head of Brand, Cycling and Team Sky said: “We’re thrilled that Sky Ride has returned for 2016 and that so many people across the UK will get the chance to enjoy cycling through their town or city on traffic-free streets. This year, we’re celebrating our one-millionth Sky Rider, and are delighted Brits are cycling more regularly as a result of our eight year partnership with British Cycling. Together we want to continue to inspire even more people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the sport.”