11,000 cyclists turn out for Hounslow Skyride

An estimated 11,000 people joined Olympic silver-medallist cyclist Ross Edgar for the Mayor of London’s Skyride in Hounslow yesterday.

Riders enjoyed traffic-free streets, the green spaces of Osterley Park and Syon House and a range of entertainment at the event, organised by the Mayor of London in partnership with Sky, and Edgar was impressed with the turnout. ““It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying a day out cycling together and I’m sure having the unique opportunity to cycle through some of the splendid scenery was a great experience for everybody. I hope today will have reminded people how much fun can be had from cycling and encouraged people to get back on their bikes.”

While is was the second in Sky’s series of five mass participation cycling events taking place this summer, the ride was the first event of its kind held outside of central London – Zone 1 of the tube and bus network.

The Mayor's Director of Transport Policy, Kulveer Ranger also took part in the event and said: “Mayor of London’s Skyride events are all about giving Londoners the confidence to get on their bikes and explore the capital. These are fun, free, family days, and it has been great to see such a wide range of people taking part.

“Cycling is the healthiest, greenest way of getting about, and that is why the Mayor and I are working to create a cycling revolution in our city. We hope that the thousands of people who took to their bikes will now get back on their saddles again and again."

Londoners can also take part in the Mayor of London’s Skyride event in central London on Sunday, September 20. Skyrides are also taking part in other towns and cities across the UK with Skyride Local rides running every Sunday through to October. For details on the next Skyride Local in your area visit www.goskyride.com/

The next two city centre Skyrides are in Glasgow on Sunday, August 23 and Leicester on Sunday, August 30.