Report

6,000 people joined TV actress Angela Griffin, Team Sky Cyclist Ben Swift, and GB Cycling Team para-cyclists Jon-Allan Butterworth and Tel Byrne for Sky Ride Bradford on Sunday 31st 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 city on two wheels.

The free event, organised by British Cycling and Sky, in partnership with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, allowed riders to take in a 6.4km route at their own pace whilst enjoying landmarks like Bolton Road Lookout Point and Bradford Cathedral.

Participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment throughout the day along the route and in the green open spaces of Peel Park. There was 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. And with performances from local buskers, demonstrations from the Sky Sports Living For Sport Flatland BMXers, and a chance to meet stars from the worlds of cycling and TV in the British Cycling Bike Cafe, there was something for everyone.

Sky Ride Ambassador Angela Griffin commented: “I had a brilliant time at my first ever Sky Ride today, it has been lovely to meet so many Sky Riders of all ages. Just looking at the smiling faces around me you can tell it’s been a great day, with fantastic entertainment along the route and fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Sky Ride is a fantastic initiative, getting people out in the fresh air and enjoying cycling and I’m really glad to have been a part of that!”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, said: "This has been a really enjoyable day and it has been good to see all the families getting involved. The children have obviously loved being able to cycle along with their parents on a route that they would normally never be able to do because of the traffic. Hopefully, local communities will get into cycling more following this event."

Corin Dimopoulos Sky’s Director of Cycling said: “I’m delighted Sky Ride has returned to Bradford for the second year running and that so many people of all ages and abilities have been able to enjoy cycling through the city. Through our great partnership with Bradford Metropolitan District Council and British Cycling, we hope to build towards our aim of getting one million more Britons cycling regularly by the end of 2013.”

Sky Ride Bradford 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 Bradford which take in everything from the countryside to local sights. There are brilliant bike maintenance workshops taking place in Bradford on 12th and 13th August, as well as regular Breeze bike rides for women, 

Thanks to everyone who took part and helped British Cycling and Sky with their campaign to get a million more people cycling regularly by 2013.