CITY Park turned fluorescent as thousands of riders wearing bright yellow bibs today took part in this year's Sky Ride in Bradford.

The event might already be an established part of the city's calendar but this year's was given a fresh impetus following the success of the Tour de France Grand Depart on the district's roads in July.

Six times Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, a Sky Ride ambassador, was also there to wave off the first of the 6,500 riders who turned out for the event.

That total outstripped last year's attendance of 6,000, with riders enjoying a traffic free route to Lister Park and around the city centre.

Sir Chris told the Telegraph & Argus: "I think it is great to have staged such a fantastic event here.

"It is not an elite thing, everyone can get involved and and we are trying to keep the interest in cycling going.

"Anyone who has not ridden a bike for a while should give it a go, it is amazing how quickly it comes back to you."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, started the event with a chequered flag and said: "Anything like this which can bring people into the city has to be welcomed.

"Bradford is on the up and I think that is recognised by communities putting together events and this is a great one.

"It is wonderful to see Sir Chris Hoy here today. It is fabulous to see so many people, young, old, able bodied and the not so able bodied taking part, particularly the youngsters.

"When you have them in this situation, hopefully you have them for life."