SUNDERLAND is ‘gearing up’ for its sixth Big Bike Ride on Sunday 12 June, with hundreds of cyclists set to pedal their way to fitness on various routes throughout the city.
Using the existing extensive cycle path network in the city, The Big Bike Ride has been designed to cover a range of distances to make sure that everyone, from children and families right up to experienced cyclists, can join in the fun.
Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and culture, councillor John Kelly, said;
The Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride is a great way to get active and have fun with your friends and family, whatever your age or ability.
Our city has a high quality network of cycle paths which are very popular with cycling enthusiasts, but we want even more people to enjoy the fantastic routes available to them. I encourage everyone to bring their bikes along to this great annual event and see even more of the city.”
Sunderland has over 100 kilometres of dedicated cycle routes providing easy access for beginners as well as the long distance enthusiast. The city lies at an excellent location on the national cycle network and few cities can provide traffic free cycling on such a scale, from the heart of the city to the suburbs and countryside.
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 utilises the excellent seafront cycle paths taking in Roker and Seaburn and promises to be a great day out for families.
In addition to the bike rides a family fun programme of activities will take place during the day on the Riverside adjacent to the start and finish area. The activities will consist of ‘have a go’ sports taster sessions and traditional family sports day activities.
Entry is online only, prices are Family Ride £10.00, 20 Mile Ride £11.00 and 35 mile ride £12.00, all prices per person. This year the entry fee includes the new Active Sunderland BIG Events technical t-shirt, medal and a goody bag!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY, MORE ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG EVENTS AND FESTIVALS TO COME!
• 27th July : Area Festival – Princess Anne Park
• 30th July : City Centre Festival – various locations in city centre
• 3rd Aug : Area Festival – Barnes Park
• 10th Aug : Area Festival – Seaburn / Roker
• 17th Aug : Area Festival – Mowbray Park
• 24th Aug – Area Festival – Hetton Lyons Country Park
• 25th Sept : BIG Walk
For online entry visit www.activesunderland.org.uk or, for further information emailactive@sunderland.gov.uk