Sky Ride date announced

Otley cyclist Lizzie Armitstead is backing this year’s fourth Sky Ride event on August 11 when people can cycle on a traffic free route through the city.

She said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, plus it’s lots of fun too. I’d encourage everyone of all ages and abilities to get out on their bikes and take part in a Sky Ride local ride in Bradford this summer.”

Bradford Council has teamed up with British Cycling, Sky and West Yorkshire Metro to encourage thousands of people to dust off their bikes and get cycling again.

A Sky Ride local programme ensures other opportunities for people to get out and about on their bikes on free guided bike rides around the district. They start in July and run through until September.

Guided by British Cycling ride leaders along scenic planned routes, they offer a way of exploring the local terrain.

There are different levels of rides for different abilities - from easier rides for those wanting to build their confidence, to those looking for more of a challenge.

To get more women on their bikes, British Cycling’s Breeze network is also coming to Bradford.

Breeze is the biggest programme ever to get more women into riding bikes for fun. The aim is to help thousands more women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, said: “The Sky Ride event is a terrific day out for families to cycle on Bradford’s streets in a fun, traffic-free environment. In addition to cycling the course, there are lots of fun activities on the day planned for City Park and Lister Park too. Cycling is really booming in Bradford as the ever increasing number of participants in Sky Ride show. It just gets better every year.”

To book onto a bike ride visit goskyride.com.