Thousands of people took to the streets of Nottingham today to enjoy the HSBC UK City Ride.
Getting underway from Victoria Embankment, the thousands of riders were able to cycle the traffic-free streets taking in the city’s most iconic sporting venues and riverside views, and enjoying a series of family-friendly activities along the route.
Britain’s most successful female Olympian, cycling legend Laura Kenny, got the event underway before mingling with the thousands of participants.
Four-time Olympic champion Kenny said:
“It’s been great to see so many people out and about on bikes in Nottingham today. Events like this are so important in getting people of all ages out and showing them just how accessible cycling can be. Hopefully today has inspired everyone here and thousands more across the city.”
The event, delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Council, was the second of 14 HSBC UK City Rides which will take place across the country this summer. The events are the first step towards HSBC UK and British Cycling’s ambition to get two million people on bikes by 2020, making cycling the UK’s most popular activity and sport of choice.
Giles Morgan, HSBC’s global head of sponsorship, said:
“Today’s second HSBC UK City Ride has been a great event, with thousands of people getting on their bikes and enjoying their city’s streets in a traffic-free ride. Getting people onto their bikes is what our partnership with British Cycling is all about, and Nottingham has been a great host.”
Councillor David Trimble – Dunkirk and Lenton Ward Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council added:
“We’re thrilled with the success of the HSBC UK City Ride event and excited by British Cycling’s ambition to deliver more cycling programmes in Nottingham. It’s been a unique opportunity for thousands of local citizens to enjoy traffic-free cycling on the city’s roads with the ultimate aim to encourage greater engagement with cycling; be that for recreation, commuting or simply to help improve fitness.”
There are countless other opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to attend free, organised rides in Nottingham and right across the country at letsride.co.uk.