Sky Ride returns for 2010

British Cycling and broadcast giant Sky have announced the 2010 calendar of Sky Ride events, mass participation cycle rides aimed at families and lesiure cyclists.

Last year's inaugural Sky Rides were well received, with 110,000 people taking part - the aim of the rides is to encourage people to get cycling.

The 2010 Sky Ride calendar comprises of 12 rides in 10 different city locations: Bath and Southampton (both 25 July), Manchester (1 August), Middlesbrough and the London Borough of Redbridge (both 15 August), Glasgow (22 August), Leicester (29 August), Bradford (29 August), Blackpool (31 August), Mayor of London's Sky Ride in central London (5 September) and Birmingham (12 September).

Cycling stars Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Bradley Wiggins will be at certain events. All Sky Ride events are free to enter.

According to statistics presented by Sky Ride organisers, the events have helped 300,000 people to use their bike more, and 92,000 to become regular cyclists, using their bike for at least one journey a month on average.

Cyclists relax after last year's London Sky Ride

"After the fantastic response we had from the public last summer we want to make this year's Sky Ride even bigger and better," said Jeremy Darroch, Sky's chief executive.

"Ultimately we're aiming to get a million more people cycling regularly by 2013. Through Sky Ride, we want to get Britain back on its bike." 

In addition to the city-based Sky Rides, there are numerous local events all over the UK. There is also the 80-mile Sky Ride Etape Hibernia in Ireland on August 22 for more serious cyclists.

External links

Sky Ride website