Sky Ride Returns to Newcastle

Town and city streets will be closed to traffic on 27 June, as thousands of people descend in celebration of all things cycling at Sky Ride NewcastleGateshead. One of fifteen major events taking place across the country this summer, Sky Ride NewcastleGateshead will be a brilliant day out, with something for everyone. Since 2009, the number of cyclists jumping on their bikes in Gateshead and Newcastle once a month has increased by 20%, whilst 11,000 cyclists have already taken to the streets as part of Sky Ride. Whether you are looking to challenge family and friends in the Sprint Zone, find out more about cycling opportunities or just want to enjoy the music, entertainment and competitions, it’s all on offer along with an awesome route to ride. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride NewcastleGateshead it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun. Sky Ride Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy said: ‘We want more people to enjoy riding a bike – that’s why Sky and British Cycling have teamed up to bring you Sky Ride. We’ve made it easier than ever to get out on your bike and spend quality time with your family and friends. ‘Sky Rides close towns and cities for big bike events so you can ride safely on traffic-free streets, with a huge festival atmosphere and loads to do both on and off the bike. They are great fun and a great way to get on your bike.’ British Cycling’s director of Recreation and Partnerships, Stewart Kellett, said: ‘We are delighted to once again bring traffic-free cycling to so many cities across the country with Sky Ride. 2015 promises even better and more exciting events, and we want to see more people than ever riding their bikes on streets. ‘We had such a great year in 2014 - the Tour de France, Commonwealth Games and Tour of Britain made cycling even more accessible in Britain – and we are excited to continue that with a packed summer of events in 2015.’ Sky’s Head of Brand for Cycling, Fiona Morgan, said: “We’re thrilled that Sky Ride has returned for 2015 and that so many people across the UK will get the chance to enjoy cycling through their town or city on traffic-free streets. Over 1.5 million Brits now cycle regularly as a result of our partnership with British Cycling and together we want to continue to inspire even more people to get out on their bikes and enjoy the sport” British Cycling’s Liam Phillips, the 2013 BMX World Champion, is also lending his support to the campaign: ‘Every year, Sky Ride big bike events seem to be better than before and it is really encouraging to see so many people inspired to join in. ‘Everything about these events is geared towards making cycling fun and accessible, and it can only be a good thing for cycling in Britain. Together with Sky Ride Local, Breeze and Ride Social, it all goes to prove what a great time it is to get into cycling in Britain.’ Councillor John McElroy, Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: ‘The daily number of cycle journeys in Gateshead has almost doubled in the last five years and we continue to invest in improvements to cycle infrastructure throughout the borough. Events like Sky Ride are a great way of getting more people excited about cycling and encourage them to think about using their bike more often for pleasure or for commuting.’ Councillor Marion Talbot, from Newcastle Council, added: ‘Newcastle Council is extremely pleased to be partnering with British Cycling and Sky for another year. Cycling is an activity that we all know how to do but often does not form part of our daily lives. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to cycle more regularly and Sky Ride Big Bike Events are the perfect way to get involved,’ If you haven’t been on your bike for a while, don’t worry. The bike experts at Halfords are offering a free bike safety check (worth £14.99) to everyone who registers for Sky Ride, and they’ll be there on the day to help out with any last-minute problems too. Sky Ride is not the only chance to get cycling in the region this summer – a packed schedule of guided rides, including Sky Ride Local rides, led by British Cycling-trained Ride Leaders, and fabulous women-only Breeze rides mean you are never too far from a bike ride. Sky Ride NewcastleGateshead rolls into town on 27 June; don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this fun, free celebration of cycling. Register now at goskyride.com. Let’s Ride NewcastleGateshead!