Report
3,800 people took to traffic-free streets on Sunday 10th July for Sky Ride Middlesbrough. The event was part of Sky Ride – a national campaign from British Cycling and Sky to get one million people cycling regularly by 2013.
The free event, held in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, allowed riders to take in a 7km route at their own pace whilst enjoying some of the town’s most well-known landmarks and sights, including Fairy Dell Park, Newham Grange Country Farm and Nature’s World. The route also took in the brilliant new 1km Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit.
Participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment along the route. With performances from local buskers and a steel band, a chance to try out some unusual bikes, and even have a go at bike-powered Scalextrix, there was something on hand for everyone to enjoy.
As well as taking part in Sky Ride Middlesbrough, local residents are also being asked to nominate their Perfect Hill to cycle down in a nationwide poll to find the ultimate decent on two wheels. 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. Entrants are asked to take in to consideration location, view, where the hill takes them, historical resonance and most importantly what the hill means to them.
Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “Sky Ride Middlesbrough was once again a huge success. It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages enjoying a wonderful day of cycling. There were so many activities available and the weather was kind to us apart from a short shower. Cycling is now really taking off in Middlesbrough thanks to events like Sky Ride and I think we could become the cycling city of the north!”
Corin Dimopoulos, Sky’s Director of Cycling said: “I’m thrilled Sky Ride has returned to Middlesbrough for the second year running and that once again so many people have been able to enjoy cycling through the town traffic-free. Through our great partnership with Middlesbrough Council and British Cycling, we hope to build towards our aim of getting one million more Britons cycling regularly by the end of 2013.”
This event was 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 Middlesbrough which take in everything from the countryside to local sights. The Breeze network from British Cycling are helping women organise bike rides and support for other women. And there are brilliant Bike Maintenance Workshops in Middlesbrough on 22nd and 23rd July – to help everyone keep riding with confidence.
