BRADFORD'S growing enthusiasm for cycling has helped it secure a Sky Ride cycle event for 2015.

Organisers have chosen the city to be one of 15 UK cities taking part this year because of its popularity in the past.

Last year 6,500 cyclists joined in the day of free fun, with six times Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, a Sky Ride ambassador, there to wave the first of them off.

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

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Since the Sky Ride events started, more than 30,000 riders have taken part and the number of cyclists getting on their bike in Bradford every week has increased by more than 20 per cent.

"Whether you are looking to challenge family and friends in the Sprint Zone, find out more about the cycling opportunities in Bradford or just want to enjoy the music and entertainment, competitions, Sky Ride Bradford is all about getting on your bike and having fun," said Sir Chris.

"We want more people to enjoy riding a bike - that’s why Sky and British Cycling have teamed up to bring you Sky Ride. We’ve made it easier than ever to get out on your bike and spend quality time with your family and friends.

"Sky Rides close towns and cities for big bike events so you can ride safely on traffic-free streets, with a huge festival atmosphere and loads to do both on and off the bike."

British Cycling’s director of Recreation and Partnerships, Stewart Kellett, added: "We have worked with Bradford Council for a number of years and we’re really pleased to be bringing Sky Ride back for 2015.

"We enjoy a really positive partnership with the Council and they share our vision for getting people active and the Bradford public are responding brilliantly to those local opportunities to have fun on a bike, so delivering a big bike event like this is an obvious way to encourage even more people to get involved.

"It is not only the Sky Ride big bike event that will be getting people on bikes, though – through the British Cycling and Sky partnership with Bradford Council, we’ll be once again delivering a programme of guided rides to ensure there is something for everyone on a bike in Bradford this year."

Councillor Andrew Thornton, the local authority's executive member for environment and sport, said: "Bradford Council is extremely pleased to be partnering British Cycling and Sky for another year. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to cycle more regularly."

Visit goskyride.com to register for the event on Sunday, September 20.