Skyride London route announced

The route for the Mayor of London’s Skyride, on Sunday, September 20, has been announced, formerly known as Sky Sports London Freewheel, has been announced today, alongside maps of a new, longer 15km route that takes in some of London’s most iconic sights.

The route takes riders past landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Tower of London and will feature St James's Park and the river views of The Embankment.

For the first time, the route will also include the heart of the City of London, allowing cyclists a traffic-free trip down Canon Street, past Bank and along Cheapside. Much of the route follows that of the final stage of this year's Tour of Britain, which takes place the previous day.

And the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Sir Chris Hoy, and Skyride ambassador Gethin Jones will also be taking part.

The Skyride will allow cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy a traffic-free capital for the day and provide a unique opportunity to see London in a new light.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “It’s been a great summer of cycling in London, with more and more people discovering that ours is a fantastic city in which to go by two wheels. We had some 11,000 at our Hounslow event, and the central London extravaganza promises to be the biggest and best yet. The fantastic thing about it is the huge range of people who take part – whatever your age or ability you can come and join in our free, unique, and most importantly fun, celebration of the best way of getting around.”

There will also be a variety of exciting activities to create a carnival atmosphere in the capital, with highlights including professional BMX and Mountain Bike riders performing tricks, with the opportunity for members of the pubic to take a course in stunt riding, free bike make-overs using the most up-to-date designs and accessories, and free souvenir photos of the day.

There will also be health and wellbeing tips from British Cycling and Bike4Life – part of the Department of Health’s ‘Change4Life’ campaign to tackle obesity in the UK – cycle sprinting on Watt bikes, and a Skyride Family zone, where children can learn new bike skills with free Go-Ride sessions from British Cycling professionals.

The event is the climax of the Summer Skyride series, which has seen mass participation events in Manchester, Hounslow, Glasgow and Leicester, which have attracted more than 40,000 riders in an attempt to encourage people to get back on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of a fitter, healthier lifestyle.

Jeremy Darroch, Chief Executive of Sky, said: “It’s only fitting that the culmination of what has been a great Skyride summer is held in our capital city. It’s going to be a great day – I hope you can join us there.”

Free registration for the Mayor of London’s Skyride is easy at visit www.goskyride.com so make sure you get involved.