SKY Ride Bradford is set to give city traders a major boost with more than 5,000 people expected to take part in this year’s event.

The annual 5km ride has been moved from its traditional September slot and will be held on Sunday, June 5, between 11am and 3pm, to attract even more participants, who can register for free.

The traffic-free route goes around the main city centre streets, including past The Broadway shopping centre.

The route then make its way up Market Street, Sunbridge Road, Darley Street, Lower Kirkgate, up Church Bank past Bradford Cathedral and into Little Germany, before returning to City Park.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, who said she hoped to take part herself, said the event will attract not only thousands of riders but also spectators who can use the city centre shops and facilities.

She said: “Sky Ride will give a boost to Bradford businesses both in the city centre and outside.

“We have some wonderful areas to visit. It will give a boost to the local economy.

“Hopefully visitors will make a weekend of it and stay.

“They will be stopping by so many businesses in the city centre. We have a fantastic city with fantastic people.

“Cycling has really grown over the last few years and has particularly grown in Bradford.

“It is good for people physically and also for their mental well-being.

“I would hope for an increase in the number of people taking part in this year’s event, compared to previous years.

More than 35,000 people have taken in Sky Ride Bradford since the first event took place in 2010.

Naz Ali, of Bradford Youth Service and also a Sky Ride leader volunteer, said cycling continues to grow in popularity in the Bradford district.

He said: “Bradford is up there as one of the best cities for cycling in the country now.

“It is massive for Bradford to hold a Sky Ride event.

“It has been great for the city over the last few years too.”

A number of road closures have been announced for the Sky Ride between 6am and 6pm. Roads closed for the event include Bridge Street from Hall Ings to Sunbridge Road, Hustlergate and Tyrrel Street.

Bradford is staging the first of a nationwide series of Sky Ride events this year and it is the seventh year the city has held the event, in association with British Cycling and Sky.

To book a place, go to goskyride.com/BradfordSkyRide. Those who register will be entitled to a free expert bike check, valued £14.99, from Halfords.