Sir Chris Hoy was joined by Kelly Brook and 55,000 cyclists as the Mayor of London's Sky Ride returned to the capital on Sunday 4th September.
Over 55,000 people joined actress and model Kelly Brook, multiple world and Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and the Mayor of London's Director of Environment Kulveer Ranger for the Mayor of London's Sky Ride London. Many more came out to watch and experience the day as cyclists of all ages and abilities took to traffic-free streets for the chance to enjoy the sights of the capital on two wheels.
The event is part of a national campaign from British Cycling and Sky to get one million people cycling regularly by 2013. The 11.6km (7.2mile) route took in some of the capital's most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Mall, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and London Bridge.
Joined by Team Sky pro cyclists Geraint Thomas and John-Lee Augustyn, participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment along the route and in the green open spaces of St James's Park. Highlights included Go Ride, a skill-based course for kids to take part in and improve their cycling skills, an interactive family zone, buskers along the route, and the ‘Keep Cycling Zone' which offered hints, tips and advice on loads of fantastic ways to get back on your bike.
Multiple world and Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy commented: "Seeing the capital by bike with so many people enjoying a day out cycling is a great experience. This is my fourth year at the London Sky Ride and having the opportunity to cycle past some of the world's most iconic landmarks on traffic-free streets is something I always enjoy. The best part of this event is that you can take part with family or friends and it doesn't matter if you're a novice or more experienced rider. I hope today will have reminded people how much fun can be had from cycling and has encouraged people to get back on their bikes."
Kulveer Ranger, The Mayor of London's Director of Environment, said: "Today's event has been a joy, not just for me, but for all the thousands of people who have taken part, young and old, experienced or not, showing a wonderful sense of community. This event is proof that the Mayor's cycling revolution which includes the Barclays cycle hire scheme and the new Cycle Superhighways is making a real difference to our city, with more and more of us getting out on our bikes in the capital with confidence."
The event is a major part of the Mayor's cycling revolution, a plan to get Londoners cycling which includes the Barclays Cycle Superhighways, Barclays Cycle Hire and investment in cycle infrastructure, training and education. In addition, the Mayor has given funds to promote 'biking boroughs' which include Hillingdon and Barking & Dagenham, both of which have hosted Sky Ride events this summer.
If the Mayor of London's Sky Ride has whetted your appetite for more cycling events, check out the other Sky Ride Local rides taking place around London. Or if you plan to use your bike more often and want to keep it in good shape, why not sign up for a Bike Maintenance Workshop on 23rd or 24th September?
