Thousands turn out for Cycling City event

More than 7,000 riders took to the streets of Bristol and beyond yesterday (Sunday June 22) as it celebrated its first ‘Biggest Bike Ride’ event since Cycling City status.

The cyclists gathered in Millennium Square and rode down the Portway - under the city’s famous Suspension Bridge – before splitting of to tackle five different routes.

The first rides to set off were the 38-mile Clevedon Challenge and, the 24-mile Sustrans Ride to Portishead, followed by the Failand Heights Ride. Later, cyclists taking part in the Family Fiesta left Millennium Square on a nine-mile route as far as Sea Mills where they turned back to join the rest of the cyclists at the Harbourside.

At the Lloyds Amphitheatre finish line, cyclists were able to collect ride certificates, meet up with others and enjoy an extreme mountain bike show, BMX competitions, whacky bikes, bicycle ballet, children's entertainment marquee, music stage, cycling information stalls and refreshments.

Matthew Barrett, team manager of Bristol's transport planning team, said: "We've had about 7,000 people cycling and lots more at the end of the event watching the BMX displays. The whole day has been really successful and we're very pleased. There was a bit of rain at the end of the race but it hasn't put people off and they stayed and enjoyed a nice afternoon."