British Cycling and HSBC UK have revealed the route for the HSBC UK City Ride, taking place in Liverpool on 24 September.
Starting at The Strand, the route will take in some of the Albert Dock’s most iconic sights, before heading down Great Howard Street towards the Stanley Dock and looping back. The 5.5km route will also feature an accessible loop, suitable for all adapted bikes.
The event will be the final of 14 free-to-attend HSBC UK City Ride events across the country in 2017, and is 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.
Liverpool-born Paralympic champion Lora Fachie said:
“The Albert Dock is truly iconic and known the world over, so it will be fantastic for cyclists to be able to enjoy the area in such a unique way at the HSBC UK City Ride. Events like this are so important in giving people of all ages, abilities and confidence levels the chance to experience the enjoyment and freedom of riding a bike, and I hope thousands of people across the city will be inspired to make cycling part of their everyday lives.”
Luke Harper, HSBC UK’s head of the partnership with British Cycling:
“The Liverpool HSBC UK City Ride is the final event in this 14-ride series for 2017. This is the first year of our partnership with British Cycling and we have been inspired by seeing tens of thousands of people riding around our city centres in a traffic-free environment. Research has shown the air quality city centres improves significantly during these rides, so as well as individuals getting out and reaping the health benefits from being active, the environment benefits too.
“While the 2017 HSBC UK City Ride series comes to an end, there are lots of opportunities for people to get out about on their bike between now and the 2018 events.”
Councillor Tim Beaumont, mayoral lead for Wellbeing and chair of Liverpool Cycle Forum, said:
“Liverpool’s world heritage waterfront is one of the most iconic and impressive in the world, and to be able to take in the sights while cycling on traffic-free roads is a rare opportunity.
“It’s an event aimed at all ages and abilities so I encourage as many people as possible to sign up and be part of this free, family day out, have fun and get fit at the same time – it’s win-win.”
As well as exploring the route, the event will give young riders the opportunity to test their bike handling and pick up new skills on the HSBC UK Go-Ride course. Run by British Cycling coaches, the area will feature obstacles and challenges for all levels of rider to tackle. There will be bikes and helmets available to borrow and you will be able to find out about all of the local cycling clubs and activities for children in the area. Younger participants will also be able to dress their bikes in the Kids’ Zone, which will house face-painting, a bib personalisation station and a caricature artist.
Entrants will be able to benefit from the presence of fully-qualified technicians who will be able to advise on any mechanical issues, while other activities such as a virtual reality cycling experience, street velodrome and the Sir Chris Hoy challenge – where participants can challenge Sir Chris’ Olympic gold-medal winning sprint time – will ensure a fantastic day for entrants of all ages.
The events are completely free and participants can either register their participation at www.letsride.co.uk or enter on the day.
