British Cycling and HSBC UK have announced that they will be returning to Liverpool in September following the success of last year’s free, family cycling event.
HSBC UK Let’s Ride Liverpool (formerly Sky Ride) will take place on Sunday 23 September, when 5 kilometres of city centre roads will be closed to motor traffic to give thousands of locals the perfect opportunity to explore their city on two wheels.
The HSBC UK Let’s Ride events seek to inspire more people to get on their bikes to address the societal issues which blight Liverpool and other major cities, including air pollution, which Liverpool City Council recently announced bold new measures to crack down upon.
This year’s event will have a strong community focus, linking up with local attractions, while along the route there will be a range of local community groups, bike shops, local performers and giveaways, with participants encouraged to hop off their bikes and find out more.
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 Liverpool City Council, we are passionate about creating better cities for cycling, and events like HSBC UK Let’s Ride Liverpool 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 Liverpool will be the final 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 Liverpool 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 Tim Beaumont, Liverpool’s Mayoral Lead for health and wellbeing, said:
“City cycling events have grown in popularity year-on-year, and it was great to see people turn out in their thousands in 2017 to be part of this fun, family event.
“The city council has a long term vision to tackle air pollution, and one of the key aims is to encourage people to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes.
“Having the chance to cycle on traffic-free roads makes this a great event for families to be part of, whether they’re new to two wheels, or a cycling aficionado, and I encourage everyone to get the date in their diary and be part of the this free, enjoyable day out.”
Full details of the day’s activities and route will be announced in due course.
