Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride a success
It was a city on two wheels yesterday as more than 7,000 cyclists took part in Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride.
Setting off from Millennium Square, the hoards of riders gave added proof of Bristol's cycling city status as they took part in the 16th annual event.
Although the event, organised by Bristol City Council, was free, many taking part were raising money for charity. This year Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride is supporting the Lord Mayor's Appeal for Children with the Evening Post.
By donating £1.50, people helped raise money for the appeal, which helps underprivileged youngsters across the city.
Participants of all ages and abilities cycled through the city centre and down the Portway – which was closed to traffic – before heading off on one of five different routes.
The first rides to set off were the 38-mile Clevedon Challenge and, the 24-mile Sustrans Ride to Portishead, followed by the Failand Heights Ride.
Lucy Holloway, 24, a teacher who lives on Chertsey Road, Redland, took part in the 18-mile Failand ride along with her personal trainer Martin.
She said: "The route was 18 miles and quite hilly but I am training for a triathlon so it was quite useful. We started the route to Portishead before we turned down a little lane and headed up to Failand. It was a really nice ride.
"It was my first time doing Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride and I had a great time. I thought it was really well organised and there was a good atmosphere too."
At 11am, cyclists taking part in the Family Fiesta were the last to leave Millennium Square. Their nine-mile route took them down the Portway as far as Sea Mills where they turned back to join the rest of the cyclists at the Harbourside.
At the Lloyds Amphitheatre finish line, cyclists were able to collect ride certificates, meet up with others and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon despite the odd drop of rain.
Matthew Barrett, team manager of Bristol's transport planning team, said: "We've had about 7,000 people cycling and lots more at the end of the event watching the BMX displays. The whole day has been really successful and we're very pleased. There was a bit of rain at the end of the race but it hasn't put people off and they stayed and enjoyed a nice afternoon."
Families enjoyed an extreme mountain bike show, BMX competitions, whacky bikes, bicycle ballet, children's entertainment marquee, music stage, cycling information stalls and refreshments.
5 Comments
by jon x, bristol
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 8:44AM
“Cycling city and the morons in charge (who are business people and consultants with no intrest in cycling) decided to spend the majority of the money with two other bristol based organisations...life cycle uk and sustrans to train kids on how to cycle...what are parents for anyway?
Also, money is being spent to provide kids and adults in poor areas of the city with bikes...why? I have had 3 bikes stolen in the 6 months Ive lived here, these people already have bikes, MY BIKES.
Get drivers to be aware of cyclists but as a cyclist we can help ourselves by NOT cycling on pavements, NOT cycling through red lights, NOT cycling the wrong way down roads...if we want to be considered road users then we must use the road properly. I dont agree with the drivers on here enjoying flattening cyclists because lets face it, most cyclists would knock you clean out as we are a whole lot fitter than you but some cyclists dont help themselves or the rest of us by riding like fools.
Cycling city?! Waste of money in my opinion, solve the crime problems first then people will have more desire to ride into the city. Nobody wants to cycle in then get the bus or walk home when their bike gets stolen.”
by CHRIS, nailsea
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 12:36PM
“I entered the 38 mile Clevedon challenge for the first time and generally enjoyed the experience. Only a few comments for next year. The end was rubbish. The section leading to the finish led the riders across a grass area which luckily was dry. Lots of riders had mountain bikes and would have found this no problem but for a road / race bike the surface was dangerous. Please stick to the roads next year. Ashton court was also poor ¿ we had to find a rout through closed gates, ice cream van with a queue across the road. People with dogs and uncontrolled children spread across the road. Please avoid this area or at least marshal the site properly. Thanks for the help from the well marshalled areas. Hope to do the ride next year.”
by Michael, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 5:01PM
“We got a story which has the key words 'bicycle' and 'cyclist' and it only gets 2 (3 now) comments. Is everyone asleep?
BEP stories which have these key words are always upto 30 to 50 comments and arguments by now.”
by Bristol Alliance/Cabot Circus, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 9:35AM
“Thank god this is over. Now I can get back to driving my 4X4 in the city, knocking over pedestrians and cyclists alike. I know we have to do this once a year, just to make people FEEL like its a cycling city, but do we really have to close roads as well?
Keep consuming my shopping minions.”
by Paul, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 7:37AM
“"Setting off from Millennium Square, the hoards of riders gave added proof of Bristol's cycling city status"
HA HA HA! GOOD ONE BEP!
______________________
"Lord Mayor's Appeal for Children with the Evening Post"
(This actually means the lord mayors cream cake fund)
"By donating £1.50, people helped raise money for the appeal, which helps underprivileged youngsters across the city."
(We went to bath enjoyed a FREE cycle down the cycle path)
"which was closed to traffic"
NO: I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IN BRISTOL
ANYWAY, NOW BACK TO THE MURDERING ROADS OF BRISTOL: AHHH... I LOVE CARS
footnote: a cycling city is more than just putting some red paint on the floor: £16 million pounds this council was awarded.What haven they spent it on?”