Thousands attend Boris’s Sky Ride in Ealing

Today an estimated 13,000 people attended the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Ealing.

Riders at the event – which was organised by the Mayor of London, Sky, British Cycling and Ealing Borough Council – enjoyed traffic-free streets, Ealing Common, and a range of bike-based entertainment.

The Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Ealing was the first of three mass participation cycling events taking place this summer in the capital, including the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Redbridge on 15 August and the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride due to take place in central London on Sunday 5 September.

The Mayor of London Sky Ride events in the capital are part of a series of initiatives in London during what the Mayor has dubbed London's 'Year of Cycling', including Transport for London's delivery of landmark cycle superhighways and cycle hire projects.

Boris Johnson said: “I am so proud of the fabulous Sky Ride events we organise in London, they are simply a wonderful way for the whole community to get together and rediscover their love of cycling. It is heart-warming to see people of every age and ability cycling along car free streets in their own neighbourhood.”

Cyclists were able to meet the Mayor of London’s transport advisor, Kulveer Ranger, and Team Sky road riders, including Kjell Carlstrom and Ian Stannard as well as British riders Peter Kennaugh and Ben Swift who have been involved with British Cycling from the very start of their careers and seen a lot of success on the road already this year.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport advisor, said, "It was great to see thousands of families enjoying the perfect weather for cycling and out pedalling around the queen of the suburbs. The community spirit along the route was something to behold and it was quite wonderful to see the various church fetes and people selling cakes for charity. The Mayor of London's Skyride really brought the cycle revolution to Ealing."

The Ealing route took in local iconic sights such as the conservation area of Hanwell Clock and Pitzhanger Manor House. Roaming entertainment also gave the event a carnival atmosphere and the Sky RideEntertainment Village in Lammas Park hosted a range of activities and information for participants to enjoy.

Those inspired by the event can get involved in Sky Ride Local rides that run every Sunday through to October. They will be led by fully trained cycle leaders from British Cycling and will take in everything from the countryside and local sights, to historical and art tours. Riders can pick a level to suit their age and ability and will be given a hi-visibility vest for the ride to keep.

For full details on the next Sky Ride Local in your area visit www.goskyride.com.