Everyone is invited to bring along their bikes and take part in a great day of cycling at this year’s Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride on Sunday 12 June. With a focus on cycling fun, the event offers three alternative routes to suit all ages and abilities.
Each of the rides start on the Riverside at St. Peter’s near Sunderland University and will use Sunderland’s expansive cycle path network to visit areas across the city. The event covers a variety of distances to make sure that everyone, from children and families right up to experienced cyclists, can join in the fun.
Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “The event is a great way to get active and have fun with your friends and family, whatever your age or ability”.
New for this year is the revamped family ride which, along with the other rides, starts on the riverside at St. Peter’s university campus. The route takes advantage of the excellent seafront cycle paths taking in Roker and Seaburn and promises to be a great day out for families.
Cllr Kelly added: “It’s great to see the new family route taking in our award winning seafront. Those taking part in the 35 mile ride may well discover parts of the city they haven’t seen before, it really is a grand tour of Sunderland.”
The longest for the routes (35 miles) starts in Roker and visits parts of Washington, Houghton, Hetton, Ryhope and Silksworth before returning to the finish via the city centre.
In addition to the bike rides a family fun programme of activities will take place during the day on the Riverside at St. Peter’s. The activities will consist of ‘have a go’ sports taster sessions and traditional family sports day games.
Entry is online only, prices are Family Ride £10, 20 Mile Ride £11 and 35 mile ride £12, all prices per person. This year the entry fee includes the new Active Sunderland BIG Events technical t-shirt, medal and a goody bag!
Online applications close on Friday 3 June and registration on the day takes place from 8am. The longer rides start at 9.30am with the Family Bike Ride starting at 10.30am.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY, MORE ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG EVENTS AND FESTIVALS TO COME!
• Wed 27 July : Area Festival – Princess Anne Park
• Sat 30 July : City Centre Festival – various locations in city centre
• Wed 3 Aug : Area Festival – Barnes Park
• Wed 10 Aug : Area Festival – Seaburn / Roker
• Wed 17 Aug : Area Festival – Mowbray Park
• Wed 24 Aug Area Festival – Hetton Lyons Country Park
• Sun 25 Sept : BIG Walk
For online entry visit www.activesunderland.org.uk or, for further information emailactive@sunderland.gov.uk