British Cycling and HSBC UK have announced that they will be returning to Nottingham in September following the success of last year’s free, family cycling event.
HSBC UK Let’s Ride Nottingham (formerly HSBC UK City Ride) will take place on Sunday 16 September. Six kilometres of roads will be closed to motor traffic to give thousands of locals the perfect opportunity to explore their city on two wheels, taking in iconic city landmarks along the Victoria Embankment, crossing Trent Bridge and passing the City Ground.
This year’s event will have a strong community focus, showcasing everything that’s great about Nottingham. More than just cycling, the event will include various activation zones including sports, kids’ activities, music, food and cultural experiences in partnership with a number of community organisations.
Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Last year we were blown away by the response of the thousands of local people who got on their bikes and joined us.
“Along with HSBC UK and Nottingham City Council, we are passionate about creating better cities for cycling, and events like HSBC UK Let’s Ride Nottingham are a fantastic opportunity for people to get on their bike and take that first step towards making cycling a part of their everyday life.”
HSBC UK Let’s Ride Nottingham will be the penultimate in a series of 14 events across the UK this summer, which are a key part of British Cycling and HSBC UK’s vision to get two million more people on a bike by 2020. Over 100,000 people attended last year’s events, cycling a combined total of over 1.5 million kilometres in the process.
Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, said: “Taking part in an HSBC UK Let’s Ride event is a great opportunity to cycle around Nottingham without traffic, seeing its landmarks from a completely different viewpoint. These events provide a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more experienced cyclists who want to try something a bit more relaxed. Plus, you will be doing your bit to help create a greener, fitter, healthier Britain.”
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Nottingham City Council, added: “Cycling is a key priority for Nottingham City Council, as we seek to encourage more people to jump on their bike whether it be for travel or just for fun. Hosting HSBC UK Let’s Ride at Victoria Embankment provides people of all ages and abilities the unique opportunity to cycle on the city’s roads free of traffic, and enjoy the family festival atmosphere we are looking to create.
“Last year’s inaugural event was a massive success, and we look forward to working with British Cycling and HSBC UK to encourage even more people to take part this September.”
Full details of the day’s activities and route will be announced in due course.
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About British Cycling
British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling as recognised by the UCI – the international federation for the sport. Based in Manchester at the National Cycling Centre, British Cycling works across all levels and six disciplines of the sport (BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway), from providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time, to being home to the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team. Continued success at the highest level is inspiring a boom in participation across the nation.
There have never been more opportunities to ride a bike, be it for fun or sport, and British Cycling is at the heart of this growth. British Cycling also works hard to represent cyclists’ interests at all levels, including campaigning on important issues including road safety. As a membership organisation, British Cycling provides a suite of benefits and support to its members who currently number over 137,000. All membership revenue is invested back into cycling.
For more information, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk