Hundreds of families are preparing to take to the streets of Ipswich on Sunday for the annual Sky Ride spectacular.
The free event allows cyclists of all ages and abilities to encounter the town with a unique opportunity to cycle on closed off roads around the town centre and the Waterfront.
But this year for the first time, the event will use a public park as the route winds its way through Holywells Park to celebrate the revamped facilities unveiled last summer.
Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council deputy leader, said: “We are delighted that the popular Sky Ride is coming back to Ipswich for its sixth year.
“We are committed to getting people up and active, and cycling is a great way for all ages to keep fit. It has been very popular in the past and we have been excited to see so many people riding the streets of Ipswich.
“We are sure that this year will be no different and look forward to welcoming even more people on the day to enjoy the various activities around the route.
“This will hopefully continue to drive up sporting participation in Ipswich and help keep Ipswich as one of the most active towns in England.”
The cycle begins at the Waterfront, taking in Ipswich Town Football Club, through the town centre and Star Lane, onto Duke Street and joining up with Holywells Park, before exiting onto Cliff Lane and back to the Waterfront.
The ride prides itself on its family-friendly ethos and festival atmosphere which has resulted in more than 40,000 people enjoying the unique day.
David Bourque, British Cycling’s director of recreation and partnerships said: “We are delighted to once again bring a big traffic-free cycling event to Ipswich in 2016.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride Ipswich it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun.”
This year’s instalment follows a series of mini warm-up events, and the Crafted Classique Sportive that starts and ends on the Ipswich Waterfront on Saturday.
A full list of road closures has been announced (see panel below) which will be in effect from 4am until midnight.
To register for free and for more details visit www.goskyride.com/ipswich.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here