50,000 expected for London Skyride

Around 50,000 people are expected to take part in the biggest mass participation cycling event ever held in London tomorrow. The Mayor of London’s Skyride will give cyclists the chance to enjoy traffic-free city centre roads for the day, encouraging riders of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes with friends and family.

The route for the free event will take riders past landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and The Tower of London and will feature St James Park and the river views of The Embankment.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “It’s been a great summer of cycling in London, with more and more people discovering that ours is a fantastic city in which to go by two wheels. We had some 11,000 at our Hounslow event, and the central London extravaganza promises to be the biggest and best yet.

"The fantastic thing about it is the huge range of people who take part – whatever your age or ability you can come and join in our free, unique, and most importantly fun, celebration of the best way of getting around.”

Kelly Brook, who helped launch the event, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Skyride initiative and can’t wait to take part on September 20th. I really enjoy cycling and anything that reminds people how much fun it can be is a fantastic idea. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced cyclist or getting back on your bike again for the first time in ages, the Mayor of London’s Skyride will be a great day out for all ages and abilities.”

As well as providing a unique opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest cities in a new light and enjoying a day cycling with friends and family around an extended 15km route, there will be a range of activities to create a carnival atmosphere in the capital.

Sky’s Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch said: “It’s only fitting that the climax of what has been a great Skyride summer is held in our capital city. Working in partnership with British Cycling and local councils, the Skyride team has got tens of thousands of people on their bikes so far. I hope that the Mayor of London’s Skyride will help us to encourage even more people back on their bikes. It’s going to be a great day – I hope you can join us there.”

British Cycling is supporting Sky, and just a few of the famous faces joining The Mayor of London and tens of thousands of cyclists on the day, include Olympic Gold Medalists Sir Chris Hoy and Jamie Staff. TV presenter Gethin Jones, who has been undertaking a 1000km cycle ride around the UK this summer to highlight the freedom and excitement that getting out and about on your bike can offer, will also take part.

Mayor of London’s Skyride is the final in a series of five city events that have taken place across the UK, encouraging people to get back on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of a fitter, healthier lifestyle. Tens of thousands of people of all ages and abilities have enjoyed fantastic days out in Manchester, Hounslow, Glasgow and Leicester since July.

These are running alongside a series of over 400 smaller local and guided rides led by fully trained coaches from British Cycling, with over 100 Skyride Local events taking place in and around London. The local events continue into October, with full details on where they are taking place and registration available on www.goskyride.com.

Free registration for Mayor of London’s Skyride is easy and takes no time at all – simply visit www.goskyride.com now to get involved.