Traffic free ride in city returns this summer

Former Sky Ride is to return in August

A major free cycling event is being staged in Leicester again this year.

The HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester (formerly Sky Ride) will take place on Sunday, August 12.

The family-friendly event will see roads closed to traffic and opened up to thousands of cyclists to explore their city on two wheels.

British Cycling and HSBC UK have announced they will be returning to Leicester in August following the success of last year.

This summer’s event will have a strong community focus, linking Leicester’s new public squares and people-friendly streets from the King Power Stadium to the Clock Tower. The route will be busy with community groups, bike projects, shops and entertainment providing lots of opportunities for riders to stop off and join in.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Last year, we were blown away by the response of the thousands of local people who got on their bikes and joined us.

“Along with HSBC UK and Leicester City Council, we are passionate about creating better cities for cycling, and events like HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester are a fantastic opportunity for people to get on their bike and take that first step towards making cycling a part of their everyday life.”

HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester will be the tenth in a series of 14 events across the UK this summer, in a bid to get two million more people on a bike by 2020.

More than 100,000 people attended last year’s events, cycling a combined total of more than 1.5 million kilometres.

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, said: “Taking part in a Let’s Ride event is a great opportunity to cycle around Leicester without traffic, seeing its landmarks from a completely differ- ent viewpoint.

“These events provide a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more experienced cyclists who want to try something a bit more relaxed.”

HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester is a key event in the city’s summer cycling calendar.

On the same day as the ride, spectators will line Leicester’s streets to watch elite cyclists in the Castle Classic - a road race that forms part of the HSBC UK National grand prix series.

Both events form part of the Ride Leicester festival, a packed two-week celebration of cycling and people-friendly streets from August 11 to 26.

Other initiatives that take place over the summer in the city include an annual Schools’ Ride, with 500 children and adults from city and county primary schools joining a mass ride into the city centre, led by Leicester City Football Club’s mascot Filbert Fox riding his own tricycle.

There is also a regular programme of free rides for all abilities, including the new monthly Open Streets events from the new Market Square. These are guided tours on foot and bike, highlighting Leicester’s arts and heritage.

Councillor Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor responsible for the environment and public health, said: “We know that thousands of people enjoy cycling in Leicester.

“Lots of new and returning riders will take the opportunity to enjoy the city streets with their families and friends while they are car-free.

“Cycling is a great way to get around the city and it’s becoming ever more popular, with an estimated 17,000 local people cycling on an average day.”

Full details of the day’s activities and route will be announced at a later date.