CYCLISTS, including a former Olympic gold medalist, took over Bradford city centre today for the annual Sky Ride event.
Swathes of the city became traffic-free for the event, which this year saw thousands of cyclists of all ages don high visibility vests to ride around the 5k route that started in City Park and also took in Little Germany and much of the city centre.
Jason Queally, who won gold in cycling at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, was one of the cyclists riding the event, as was former Emmerdale actress Glenda McKay and her family.
As well as seasoned cyclists and local clubs, hundreds of families and children also took part in the event, which this year was diverted away from its normal route through Manningham, where Bradford City were playing a home match against Sheffield United.
The riders passing through City Park had the option of staying on dry land, or passing through the mirror pool, with many younger riders opting for the wetter and seemingly more fun option.
The event was organised between Team Sky, British Cycling and Bradford Council.
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Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, could be seen on the route, sharing a tandem bike with council youth worker Naz Ali.
Mr Queally said events like the Sky Ride were the ideal way to take in cities like Bradford. He said: "It is great that it is a traffic free route. You don't often get the opportunity to ride without traffic.
"This is my first time in Bradford, and I couldn't ask for a better day for it. It is something I would promote as many cities to do as possible."
The route also featured a fun fair and the opportunity for cyclists to try their hand at stunt riding.
Among those taking part in the day was the local Breeze cycling group, which organises rides for female cyclists. Volunteer Judy Robinson, from Shipley, said: "Our goal is to get more women on their bikes. We have a number of routes and rides, including along the Leeds Liverpool Canal."
SEE OUR BRADFORD SKY RIDE 2015 PICTURE GALLERY
Fellow volunteer Margaret Naylor added: "Some women don't always want to ride with men, they feel they are sometimes a bit too competitive."
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