COVENTRY’S famous ring-road will become a giant cycle path for a biking festival set to take over the city.
On Sunday, August 5, the ring-road will be closed off to traffic for a free-to-enter cycle fun day which will allow participants to cycle through some of the city’s iconic locations – including the famous cathedral ruins.
The Let’s Ride event will have two festival zones in Broadgate and Millennium Place offering music, street food and activities.
In a day to remember for the city’s cycling enthusiasts, there will be a mountain bike stunt show, competitive cycling challenges, guided rides around the city and a chance to test your mettle on a tandem or a racing bike.
The festival begins in Broadgate at 11am and finishes at 3pm.
The full cycle route around the ring-road is six kilometres.
A spokesperson from national cycle ride organiser, Let’s Ride, said: “It’s free to enter, you get to see your city in a different way and it’s a fun, active, family-friendly day out.
“You don’t have to go the six kilometre distance – just as much or as little as you want.
“And you don’t need to be an experienced cyclist – there are no cars on the road, you can wobble, zig-zag and stop as much as you like.
“You just need to be up for some fun. Everyone’s invited – see you there.”
Councillor Jayne Innes, cabinet member for city services, said: ”I love the HSBC UK Let’s Ride events and I’m really pleased we’re hosting one again this year.
“The main attraction this time is being able to cycle through the cathedral ruins, as well as cycle on a traffic-free ring-road.
The free event is a great way to take part in a healthy and fun activity and there’s a shorter route for anyone that doesn’t feel they can do the whole route.”
Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Coventry played host to a fantastic event last year, and we’ve worked hard – alongside Coventry City Council and local businesses and attractions – to ensure that HSBC UK Let’s Ride Coventry will again be a truly enjoyable, free and family-friendly day out which showcases the best of the city and the real benefits of cycling.”
But cycling campaigner, James Avery, claims the council needs to make riding a bike in the city safe for every day of the year and not just one.
“It is time for the council to stop pretending it cares about cycling – this event has achieved nothing in 5 years,” he said.
“It would be better if they just scrapped it altogther.
“We need safe 365 days cycling for everyone.”
To register or download an information pack including the route visit: www.letsride.co.uk/events/coventry
