First Sky Ride Hillingdon draws the crowds

7,000 people turned out on 31st July to join TV presenter Jeff Brazier, the Mayor of London’s environmental director, Kulveer Ranger, Paralympic champions Sarah and Barney Storey, plus Team Sky’s Greg Henderson, for the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Hillingdon. Many more came out to watch and experience the day as cyclists of all ages and abilities took to traffic-free streets for the chance to enjoy their local area on two wheels.

The day marked the first of three Mayor of London Sky Rides in 2011, including a central London event on Sunday 4th September. Sky Ride is a national campaign to get one million people cycling regularly by 2013 and includes free events, activities, information and support to help and inspire people of all ages and abilities to rediscover the fun they can have on two wheels.

British Cycling, Sky and The Mayor of London, in partnership with Hillingdon Council and Transport for London, organised the 9km route, which took in Barra Hall Park, Hayes town centre and Hillingdon Cycle Circuit.

Sky Ride Ambassador Jeff Brazier said: “It’s been a fantastic day here at The Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Hillingdon, with people of all ages getting back on their bikes and enjoying cycling around their local area on traffic-free streets. I just hope that all 7,000 people that have taken part today will be inspired to start cycling more regularly and continue to have fun on two wheels. And don’t forget we want you to tell us about your Perfect Hill to cycle down, so make sure you nominate yours at goskyride.com.”

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's Director of Environment, said: "The Mayor of London's Sky Ride route around Hillingdon has been an absolute pleasure today. Myself and the thousands of Londoners here have discovered the area in a whole new way, and the best thing about it is that many of those who have taken part, and dusted off their old bikes will be using them again soon as a result. It's all part of the Mayor of London's cycling revolution, and of course the next stop is the Mayor of London's Sky Ride in Barking and Dagenham next month."

Hillingdon is also one of thirteen boroughs that the Mayor and TfL awarded biking borough status to in 2010. They have pledged to put cycling at the heart of their local transport delivery plans and they will receive extra support and expertise from TfL in a bid to encourage more people to cycle in the local area.

The Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Hillingdon is just one of the many ways local residents can get back on their bikes through the Sky Ride campaign. Sky Ride Local rides are free, local led-rides running every Sunday through the summer in and around Hillingdon. There is also the Breeze network – a programme of bike rides and support just for women, and bike maintenance workshops will be taking place in London on 23rd and 24th September to help everyone keep riding with confidence.

Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success. Keep riding!