Bradford has been given the seal of approval by Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead, who said the district’s roads were among the best for cycling.

The 24-year-old, from Otley, was at Cartwright Hall yesterday as part of a partnership between Bradford Council and British Cycling to encourage more people to get on their bikes. She was joined by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, and Dan Goodey, the recreation manager at British Cycling.

Bradford Council has a partnership with British Cycling to promote cycling in the city.

Lizzie enjoyed a bike ride around Lister Park, Manningham, with young people and British Cycling Ride Leaders, before heading to the Dubrovnik Hotel in Oak Avenue, where she listened to local cyclists sharing their achievements and told her own story about the London 2012 Olympic Games and how she won her medal in the women’s road race.

Talking about the district’s roads, she said: “I think in terms of city centre cycling, it is not ideal and it is naive to think it ever would be. If you are cycling, get out into the country and there is plenty of that around Bradford.

“I do think round here is the best place to cycle and the best place I have cycled. You have different kinds of terrain and different cycling communities which definitely helps.

“I feel safe on these roads and you are never too far from the nearest hospital.”

Urging more people to get on their bike, she said: “I would say, don’t try and do it on your own. There are plenty of clubs to join and it is such an accessible sport.”

The British Cycling partnership includes Sky Ride Bradford which saw 7,000 people take to their bikes for a day of traffic-free bike riding around some of the city’s iconic landmarks last year.

The city also hosted a series of free Sky Ride Local bike rides in the summer.

Coun Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for sport, said: “We are creating a lasting legacy for cycling in the district with families thoroughly enjoying the opportunity of getting on their bikes together. We are absolutely delighted that Lizzie Armitstead has come to help us celebrate this great sport. As an OIympic silver medallist, she is a great role model for the youngsters.”

Speaking about winning the silver, Lizzie said: “The first thing I felt was relieved. I worked so hard for it and did it for my family.

“I was disappointed it wasn’t gold, but still!”