Almost 4000 turn out for Sky Ride Middlesbrough

3,800 people took to traffic-free streets on Sunday 10th July for Sky Ride Middlesbrough. The free event, held in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, allowed riders to take in a 7km route at their own pace whilst enjoying some of the town’s most well-known landmarks and sights, and the brilliant new 1km Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit.

Participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment along the route. With performances from local buskers and a steel band, a chance to try out some unusual bikes, and even have a go at bike-powered Scalextrix, there was something on hand for everyone to enjoy. We caught up with some of them...

Richard and Andy were full of praise for the Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit: "It's a fabulous track, a beautiful place to ride your bike, absolutely brilliant. I can see it being a great success. There's a lot of children getting out on their bikes too, its been a great day."

Paul was also feeling the benefits of getting out on his bike: "I enjoyed the course, a bit longer then I thought but it's good. I should get out more to be honest, I've been ill recently and the cycling has helped with my rehabilitation and has been really beneficial." 

Clare was riding with her daughter Isobelle in a pull-along: "We came down around one o'clock and they said the course should take us around twenty minutes but its taken us an hour! It was hard at the start across the grass but one of the lads pulled me along for a while. I swapped bikes with a friend and I didn't realise how different a good bike is, so I'm off to buy a new one! I don't ride that often but we've really enjoyed today and I'll definitely get out more now and it's all because of Sky Ride!"

This event was just one of the many ways local residents can get back on their bikes through this year’s Sky Ride campaign. Sky Ride Local Rides are running every Sunday through the summer in and around Middlesbrough which take in everything from the countryside to local sights. The Breeze network from British Cycling are helping women organise bike rides and support for other women. And there are brilliant Bike Maintenance Workshops in Middlesbrough on 22nd and 23rd July – to help everyone keep riding with confidence.