Report
15,500 people joined TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and World and Olympic Champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton MBE for Sky Ride Birmingham on 3rd July. 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 the town on two wheels. The day marked the third event of Sky Ride 2011 - a national campaign to get one million people cycling regularly by 2013.
The free event hosted by Sky and British Cycling, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, allowed riders to take in the 7.5km route at their own pace whilst enjoying some of the city’s well-known landmarks and sights including the Rag and Wholesale Markets, the new Edgbaston Cricket Ground and the green open spaces of Cannon Hill and Calthorpe Parks. Participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment throughout the day along the route.
With performances from local buskers, demonstrations from the Sky Sports Living for Team Extreme BMXers, performances from Hip Hop Shakespeare and the chance to buy on-trend bike accessories, there was something on hand for everyone to enjoy. Stars from the worlds of cycling and TV took time out to help less experienced riders and chatted with participants in the British Cycling Bike Cafe. There was also plenty of entertainment for young people including a Go-Ride racing course where participants tested their racing skills and received tips and advice from pro’s and British Cycling coaches.
As well as taking part in Sky Ride Birmingham, local residents are also being asked to take part in a nationwide poll and nominate their favourite hill to cycle down in the region. Backed by multiple world and Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, the nationwide search will see the ultimate cycling descent being crowned the UK’s Perfect Hill. Find out more and nominate your perfect hill.
Sky Ride Ambassador Lorraine Kelly commented: “I had such a brilliant time in Birmingham today and it has been lovely to meet so many Sky Riders of all ages. The route was fantastic as Birmingham has such a range of iconic old buildings and new modern ones. There were also some utterly brilliant bikes; Birmingham definitely pulled out all the stops!”
Birmingham City Council’s Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: “It’s fantastic that once again so many people joined us in Birmingham to enjoy this fantastic event. As a city we are keen to promote the benefits of staying fit and healthy to local people and Sky Ride is playing an important part in that.”
Sky Ride Birmingham is just one of the many ways local residents can get back on their bikes through this year’s Sky Ride campaign. Sky Ride Local Rides are running every Sunday through the summer in and around Birmingham which take in everything from the countryside and local sights. Bike maintenance workshops are available in Birmingham on 15th and 16th July – to help everyone keep riding with confidence.
