Sky today announced a series of mass-participation summer cycling events, supported by British Cycling, to encourage people to get back on the bicycle.

Throughout the summer free organised ‘Skyride’ events will take place in four four city centres – Manchester, Glasgow, Leicester and London – with roads closed to traffic and hundreds of local guided rides.

These free events will give tens of thousands of people, of all ages and abilities, the chance to enjoy riding with their family and friends.

Skyride builds on Sky’s partnership with British Cycling. By inspiring people, Sky is confident of getting one million more people cycling in the next five years.

Sky Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch says: “We want to get as many people as possible to pick up their bikes again this summer; for fun, for fitness, with friends or with family. This is just the start of our five year campaign to get a million more people cycling by 2013.”

The planned events will include Skyride city events, mass participation rides in traffic-free city centres in Manchester (Sunday 2 August), Glasgow (Sunday 23 August) and Leicester (Sunday 30 August) as well as a London event. Each will be attended by medal-winning members of the GB Cycling team such as Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Jamie Staff.

The Mayor of London’s Skyride will be staged on traffic-free roads around the major landmarks on Sunday 20 September. Formerly known as Sky Sports London Freewheel, last year’s free family event brought over 50,000 riders onto the capital’s streets.

There will be 400 local hosted rides, led by trained ride leaders from British Cycling, starting in July. Focused on areas around the Skyride cities, they will cater for all abilities, from novice to expert, to encourage families and friends to ride together.

Ian Drake, Chief Executive of British Cycling added: “Our partnership with Sky is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform cycling in this country. Through Sky’s nationwide campaign of organised rides this summer, our community and school programmes, and through building on last year’s activity, we have the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

To help spread the message on how cycling can be simple, safe and fun; Sky will promote a range of cycling ambassadors, including supermodel Elle Macpherson and Olympic Gold Medallist Victoria Pendleton.

At today’s launch, Elle Macpherson said: “Not only is cycling fantastic for staying fit and healthy but it’s a great way to spend time with your friends and family. I cycle as much as I can, whether I’m in the centre of London or getting away from the city. I think the idea of encouraging people to cycle more is fantastic and urge everyone, of all ages and abilities, to take part in one of the Skyride events – they are fun, free and a great day out.”

Victoria Pendleton, one of the elite riders supporting the summer activities, concluded: “I was amazed that so many people are not using their bikes. Cycling is a great way to stay healthy and it’s good for exploring and meeting new people. My message is simple, get on your bike and join us at one of the fantastic free events Sky has planned.”

You can find out more at www.goskyride.com which will carry news, information and online registration for each of the Skyride events.