Thousands of people took to the streets of Birmingham today to enjoy the first ever HSBC UK City Ride.

Getting underway from Victoria Square, the thousands of riders were able to cycle around the traffic-free streets of the city centre, taking in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and enjoying a series of family-friendly activities on route.

Two of Britain’s most successful Olympians, cycling legends Sir Chris Hoy and Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE, got the event underway before mingling with the participants along the route.

Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris said:

“It’s been fantastic to see so many people out and about and enjoying themselves on bikes. This is what the partnership between British Cycling and HSBC UK is seeking to achieve – to encourage people to get on their bikes and discover or rediscover the benefits of cycling. It’s great to see the people of Birmingham embrace this, and I hope today has inspired people across the city.”

The event, delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council, was the first of 14 HSBC UK City Rides which will take place across the country this summer. The events are the first step towards HSBC UK and British Cycling’s ambition to get two million people on bikes by 2020, making cycling the UK’s most popular activity and sport of choice.

Giles Morgan, HSBC’s global head of sponsorship, said:

“The first ever HSBC UK City Ride has been a great event, with thousands of people getting on their bikes and enjoying their city in a traffic-free ride. Getting people onto their bikes is what our partnership with British Cycling is all about, and Birmingham has been a great place to kick-off our programme of 14 HSBC UK City Rides.”

There are countless other opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to attend free, organised rides in Birmingham and right across the country at letsride.co.uk.