York to host Sky Ride for fourth year

Streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, September 11, to allow cyclists of all ages and abilities to ride safely together.

Organisers British Cycling and Sky say the event will again provide a free fun day out, with a real festival atmosphere, for families and friends to enjoy.

They are urging people to register their free place ahead of the event to take advantage of some special offers, and to encourage their family and friends to do the same.

They said that since hosting its first Sky Ride event in 2013, more than 23,000 cyclists had taken part in the York event, which along with British Cycling and Sky’s other cycling initiatives, were calculated to have saved £1 million in healthcare costs related to inactivity.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for leisure at City of York Council, said it gave residents and visitors a rare chance to ride a stunning traffic free route around York’s historic city centre.

"Last year’s event was a huge success with over 8,000 people taking part and I hope even more people will get on their bikes and come along to Sky Ride York 2016," he said.

Sky Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy predicted 2016’s Sky Ride York would be the 'biggest and best yet', while David Bourque, British Cycling’s Director of Recreation and Partnerships said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride York it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun.”

British Cycling said it would also continue to work with the council to offer many more cycling opportunities in 2016 with Sky Ride Local, local guided rides, Ride Social, 'a great way to buddy up and ride with like-minded cyclists,' Breeze bike rides for women and Go-Ride, British Cycling's development programme for children.

Ian Murray, Head of Brand, Cycling and Team Sky, said the millionth cyclist would take part in a Sky Ride this year.

For more information and to register, visit GoSkyRide.com/York