MOUNTAIN bikes, tiny bikes, bikes with stabilisers, electric bikes, tandem road bikes and more bikes whizzed round sun-soaked Bradford at Britain's first Sky Ride of the summer today.

An expected 5,000 riders took part in the 5km event organised by British Cycling around the closed-off city centre and enjoyed a traffic-free tour of the city.

City Park was packed with cyclists for the start, where they were waved off by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid.

And among the throng on a bicycle made for two was Councillor Sarah Ferriby, City Hall's portfolio holder for environment and sport.

"I haven't been on a bike since I was a child and it's absolutely brilliant!" she said.

"The weather is fantastic, the Sky Ride is fantastic and the city and also the district are great places to cycle around.

"I'm really looking forward to it and seeing some wonderful buildings on the way."

The route went round the Broadway shopping centre then up Market Street, Sunbridge Road, Darley Street, Lower Kirkgate, up Church Bank past Bradford Cathedral and into Little Germany, before returning to City Park via the Bradford Courts carpark which was home to a range of activities.

British Cycling had a special Go-Ride obstacle course for young riders and there was a display of extreme stunt riding plus a climbing tower and huge bouncy slide for those who fancied time off their saddles.

Vijay Govindan, a financial analyst with Lloyds Bank who lives in Little Germany, had brought his sons Sid, 10 and Ved, 4 to take part in the ride.

"We cycle on family holidays, but the boys often ride along beside me when I go for a jog." he said.

Eldest son Sid, a pupil at St Mary's and St Peter's RC primary school on Leeds Road added: "We came last year and I really like the bit where we race against time."

Little Ved said he was looking forward free-wheeling without the aid of stabilisers.

Softwear engineers Shatakshi Tyagi and husband Vibin live in the Gatehaus apartment block on Leeds Road and had brought daughters Vamika, 5 and Vavlika, one, for a ride on a four seater bicycle buggy.

"The weather couldn't be better and the kids are really loving it," she said.

Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe praised all those involved.

She said: "It's great that we are the first Sky Ride event in the country and that we've been blessed with such good weather.

"The aim is with such a high number of participants, it will really lead to more people taking to their bikes on a regular basis," she said.

Riders of all ages, shapes and sizes took part, including a beefy contingent from the group Big Blokes on Bikes - or BLOB for short.

Retired maths teacher Derek Jacobs from Nab Wood said he regularly cycled into the city.

"I use the new Canal Road Greenway, which is a great, safe way of getting in and avoids all the traffic and hazards.

"It's really good to come and join everyone in the city today.

"I've been a member of the Cycle Touring Club for 45 years and have ridden all over the world, so it's great fun to have a celebration like this in my home city," said Mr Jacobs, 78.

Tom Mutton, British Cycling’s Recreation Manager for Bradford, said:"The day went really well with loads of people having a great time."