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Over 14,000 cyclists of varying abilities and ages took to two pedals yesterday for Scotland’s huge cycle festival.
The freshnlo Pedal for Scotland and Sky Ride Glasgow partnered with Glasgow Life on behalf of the City Council for the first time for a combined cycle festival.
Returning for the third year, Sky Ride Glasgow saw 6,000 cyclists ride across traffic-free streets on a 10.6km route, taling in Glasgow Riverside, the new Riverside Museum, Nelson’s Monument and other local sights.
Freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, now in its 13th year, saw over 8,400 cyclist take part. 7,285 participants rode the 51-mile Challenge Ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, 900 in the 100-mile Sportive timed route, while 250 took part in the brand new Edinburgh Family Ride on a traffic-free route.
Flying Scotsman Graeme Obree acts as ambassador for freshnlo Pedal for Scotland. He enthused: “I think today was really special. As a cyclist with an enormous passion for cycling it really is marvellous to see so many people, of all ages, taking to the roads on their bicycles. Today Scotland was a showcase for the power of cycling – long may that continue.”
TV presenter and Sky Ride ambassador Lorraine Kelly added “Despite the weather it’s been a lovely day here at Sky Ride Glasgow and great seeing so many people especially families getting out on their bikes and enjoying cycling on traffic-free streets. I hope today has inspired everyone who got on their bikes to keep on cycling over the coming months as It’s not just about today, there is still plenty of opportunities to keep cycling in Scotland and I hope everyone continues to have fun on two wheels.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown took part in the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland Edinburgh Family Ride. He commented: “I was delighted to be one of the thousands of Scots who took part in today’s inclusive event. The Scottish Government has set a challenging vision for 2020 that 10 per cent of all journeys taken in Scotland will be made by bike. The fantastic turnout for today’s event shows that we are making good progress towards developing a cycling culture in Scotland.”
Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, organiser of freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, said: “What an amazing day for cycling! With lots of opportunities for people to get out on their bikes we’ve seen the largest amount of people for any event in Scotland’s history. Bringing together freshnlo Pedal for Scotland and Sky Ride Glasgow really does offer a bike ride for everyone, and the huge numbers we’ve seen taking part today show cycling is now a mainstream activity.”
