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British Cycling and HSBC UK have announced the evolution of their programme of city centre events for 2018.
HSBC UK Let’s Ride events are free, family cycling festivals that help people to get out on their bikes in a "safe and friendly traffic-free environment."
The programme is a key part of British Cycling and HSBC UK’s vision to get two million more people on a bike by 2020.
“The benefits of increased levels of cycling are obvious: getting more people on bikes will make us healthier, ease congestion on our roads and clean up our toxic air,” said chief executive of British Cycling Julie Harrington.
“Alongside HSBC UK, we are passionate about bringing about positive change through cycling and transforming Britain into a great cycling nation, bringing us up to speed with many of our European neighbours.
“HSBC UK Let’s Ride is a key part of this, and we are delighted to be expanding the programme this year to give even more people the opportunity to get involved.”
Head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling Luke Harper added:
“Our partnership with British Cycling is about getting more people to experience the joys of cycling, whether they are a new or lapsed cyclist. The HSBC UK Let’s Ride series of events is designed with grassroots cycling in mind, giving people the opportunity of seeing some of our finest cities on a closed road circuit, with additional events for all the family. The effect of more people cycling is not to be sniffed at: it will undoubtedly lead to a cleaner, fitter, healthier Britain.”
Over 100,000 people took part in last year’s events, cycling over 150 million kilometres on traffic-free streets. During the event in Newcastle, research conducted by Newcastle University proved that there was a 75 per cent reduction in harmful gases.
Events will this year take place in cities, towns and alongside existing cycling events. The schedule is as follows:
May 13: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Cardiff
June 10: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Birmingham
June 15-17: HSBC UK Let’s Ride L’eroica
June 17: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Southampton
June 24: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Edinburgh
July 1: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Manchester
July 8: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Bristol
July 13-16: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Stockton
July 15: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Sheffield
July 29: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle
August 5: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Coventry
August 12: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester
August 26: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Glasgow
August 29: HSBC UK Let’s Ride the Lights
September 2: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leeds
September 16: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Nottingham
September 23: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Liverpool
