Hundreds of Glasgow cyclists enjoy traffic-free roads as part of inaugural cycling event

Hundreds of cyclists took to the streets of Glasgow as part of the first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle event.

Riders of all ages were able to enjoy cycling on traffic-free roads through George Square, Merchant City, Trongate and Glasgow Green.

The event also included Festival Zones in George Square and Glasgow Green with entertainment from Scotland’s cycle stunt team The Clan, a children’s bike skills track and pedal-powered Scalextric.

In Glasgow Green, people were given the chance to try cycle speedway with Glasgow Cyclones and cycling on adaptive bikes with local charity Sunny Cycles.

Riders were able to replicate the stars of last year’s UCI Cycling World Championships by taking on the 14% gradient of Montrose Street with individual times being registered by Scottish Cycling.

Samantha Allen, Event Lead of Ford RideGlasgow, said: “It has been an absolute delight to see thousands of people out on traffic-free roads today enjoying Ford RideGlasgow.

“We are very passionate about wanting to inspire more people to cycle more often and we hope by putting on this fantastic event and making it completely free to all, we will have done that today.

“The benefits of cycling are huge, not only from a physical and mental health wellbeing but also for its positive environmental impact as a sustainable method of transport. We would like to thank Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life for helping us make this happen today.”

Fraser Little was one of 26 members of the Glasgow Inclusive Cycling Club which was was created in September last year following the UCI Cycling World Championships.

He said: “We started the Glasgow Inclusive Cycling Club off the back of the UCI Cycling World Championships last September to create a safe space for anyone to come along and cycle.

“We had five members when we started and now we have more than 100 which shows there is a need within Glasgow for an inclusive, safe-space cycling club.

“Today has been our biggest turn out for a single event to date with 26 of us here and it has been brilliant. The sun has come out, the atmosphere is fantastic and there is a great mixture of serious cyclists, families and leisure cyclists. It’s just nice to see people cycling in Glasgow away from the usual traffic in the city.”

Glasgow Life Head of Events, Julie Pearson, added: “The incredible success of the UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow last summer, which showcased the city’s passion for the sport to a global audience, helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.

“The development of cycling-related activity in our communities has remained a priority, to encourage and enable more people – regardless of background, age or ability – to get on a bike for recreation, sport and travel. And we’re fortunate Glasgow not only boasts a world-class velodrome that can be used by those learning to cycle as well as elite riders, but also has many great community cycling hubs and groups helping overcome barriers and encouraging beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

“We’re delighted to have hosted the first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle as a wonderful celebration of The Power of the Bike, and that so many people participated in what has been a fantastic, free, family-friendly event.”