Gearing up for biggest and best Sheffield Sky Ride ever

The third annual event will see riders tackle an 8.5km route down Ecclesall Road into the city centre and back on Sunday, July 3.

The cycling extravaganza also promises to be a fun-filled occasion as there will be a range of stalls, music and cyclists performing tricks at the event’s main hub in Endcliffe Park between 11am and 3pm.

Since hosting the first Sky Ride - celebratory cycling events which take over a town or city centre for the day - in 2014 more than 7000 people have taken part in Sheffield.

Event organisers, British Cycling and Sky, estimate this has helped to boost residents’ fitness levels and led to a savings of more than £360, 000 in healthcare costs related to inactivity.

Greg Fell, director of Public Health at Sheffield City Council, said: “In Sheffield – The Outdoor City - our unique offer of city life and the outdoors gives plenty of opportunities to lead an active and adventurous lifestyle.

“This year we want more people than ever to take part in Sky Ride, to experience the fun and freedom of cycling on traffic-free roads and to be inspired to make cycling part of their day to day life.”

Sir Chris Hoy, Sky ambassador, added: “Over the past eight years, tens of thousands of local cyclists have taken to the streets of Sheffield as a result of the successful British Cycling and Sky partnership and we look forward to making 2016’s Sky Ride Sheffield the biggest and best yet.”

David Bourque, British Cycling’s director of recreation and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to once again bring a big traffic-free cycling event to Sheffield in 2016.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride Sheffield it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun.”

For more information and to register to take part for free visit GoSkyRide.com/Sheffield