Cycling enthusiasts across Manchester are gearing up for this year’s annual Sky Ride event, with the city council hoping it will be the best one yet.
This Sunday will see streets around the city centre vehicle-free as thousands of keen cyclists – from committed club members to complete novices – are expected to get on their saddles.
Among the stellar names attending will include DJ Edith Bowman, triple Olympic gold medallist Jason Kenny and World Track Cycling Champion Becky James.
And councillor Rosa Battle feels events like these are perfect examples of what cycling can provide to both individuals and the wider world alike.
“More and more people are choosing cycling for both leisure and as a means of transport in Manchester,” she said.
“The more we can do to encourage people to cycle the better – helping to improve road congestion and ease traffic pollution.
“Events like this are not only a way of offering something new and exciting to existing cyclists, they also encourage novice cyclists to get on two wheels and enjoy the camaraderie of cycling in a large group on traffic free streets.”
The event will take place on a six-mile route from 10am to 4pm between Sackville Street and the National Cycling Centre at Sportcity.
Keen riders will go around both the Etihad Stadium and inside the velodrome, with people allowed to go around the circuit as many times as they like.
There will also be activities for children and sports taster sessions including athletics, squash, tennis, capoiera and skateboarding.
For more information visit http://www.goskyride.com/.
Image courtesy of ucichannel, via Youtube, with thanks.
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