The popularity of a mass cycle event in Bradford this summer is expected to be sky-high.

Thousands of cyclists of all ages will be wheeling their way in to the city centre on Sunday, July 31, celebrating the joy of riding on two wheels.

It will be the second year Sky and British Cycling have teamed up with Bradford Council to empty the streets around the city centre of traffic to give cyclists an opportunity to free-wheel their way round a route.

The big ride is part of a national campaign of free events and activities to inspire people to re-discover the fun of cycling.

The idea is to get one million people back on their bikes regularly by 2013 and it is being backed by multiple world and Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.

Other celebrities getting on their bikes supporting the Sky Ride push include singer and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and TV presenters Lorraine Kelly, Gethin Jones and Jeff Brazier.

The Council’s sports portfolio holder, Councillor the Reverend Paul Flowers, said: “We’re looking forward to helping organise this spectacular cycling event for the second year running and expect it to be bigger and better than ever.

Other linked events will be happening throughout the summer on Sundays including Saddle Up to Saltaire and Haworth Hills rides on June 12, Airedale Greenway Explorer ride on June 19, a Bronte Trail on July 3 and Manningham Country Loop on August 7.

To get details of Skyride 2011 and all its events go to goskyride.com.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A