SKY GIVES FREEDOM OF THE CITY TO THOUSANDS OF CYCLISTS

Sir Chris Hoy joins a celebration of cycling in Glasgow

Glasgow Sunday 23 August: Seven and a half thousand people today joined stars from cycling and television at Skyride Glasgow, enjoying a day of cycling and entertainment in a traffic-free city centre.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities took to the streets for the event, which was hosted by Sky in partnership with British Cycling and Glasgow City Council. They were joined by Olympic medallists Sir Chris Hoy and Ross Edgar, as well as TV personality Gethin Jones.

The third city ride in Sky's summer series of mass participation cycling events, took in iconic sights along Glasgow's Riverside, including the SECC and Clyde Auditorium. As well as having the opportunity to see their city in whole new light, participants were able to take part in a number of activities organised by Sky.

Riders could join the cycling parade after having their bikes customised by artists in the Skyride Style Zone, watch Professional BMX riders performing tricks in the Skyride Street Zone, and pick up tips on health and wellbeing from British Cycling and the Department of Health's Bike4Life initiative in the Skyride Active Zone.

Four times Olympic gold-medalist Sir Chris Hoy commented: "It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying a day out cycling together, having the unique opportunity to cycle through traffic free streets. I hope today has reminded people how much fun can be had from cycling and has encouraged people to get back on their bikes."

Councillor Archie Graham, Glasgow City Council's Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games said: "It's been wonderful to see the streets of Glasgow filled with so many people cycling and obviously having such a great time. Cycling is the healthiest, greenest way of getting about, and after today I hope that the thousands of people who took to their bikes will now be thinking of getting back on their saddles more often."

Corin Dimopoulos, Director of Cycling, Sky, added: "I'm delighted with how popular Skyride Glasgow has been, despite the poor weather, and it was fantastic to see so many families cycling together on traffic-free streets, enjoying the day's entertainment. But for anyone who has missed out today, we're running 100 smaller local and guided rides happening in Glasgow over the coming weeks. Through our great partnership with Glasgow City Council and British Cycling, we hope to build towards our aim of getting one million more Britons cycling regularly by the end of 2013."

People in the region inspired by this event can also get involved in Skyride Local rides which 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, as well as a free t-shirt to keep. For full details on the next Skyride Local in your area please visit goskyride.com/local

Skyride Glasgow was the third in a series of five city events taking place across the country, encouraging people to get back on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of a fitter, healthier lifestyle. Events still to take place include Skyride Leicester on Sunday 30 August and Mayor of London's Skyride in central London on Sunday 20 September. These will run alongside a series of over 400 smaller local and guided rides, led by fully trained coaches from British Cycling, with over 100 taking place in and around Glasgow.

For more information on today's event simply visit www.goskyride.com.