Coventry residents will again be able to cycle on traffic-free streets this summer.

British Cycling and Sky have chosen Coventry as host city for the only Sky Ride in the West Midlands. The free family event will allow people to cycle the ring road once again, but this year, the route will be extended to take in Fargo village.

Richard Smith, Co-ordinator for Cycle Coventry which is supporting the event, said:

We’re really pleased to have Sky Ride here for the third year in a row.

It’s a great way for families and friends to try out cycling on traffic-free streets with plenty of things to see and do along the 7km circuit (4.5 miles).

Emma Harrabin, Fargo Village Manager, said:

We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to Fargo on the Sky Ride.

There will be lots of cycle parking so people can take a break and enjoy something to eat or drink and have a look around.

There will be entertainment too, so it’s an ideal place for families to take a break, before they do the rest of the ride.

Jonathan Hunt, Development Manager Sport & Active Recreation, added:

Sky Ride is just one of several free events planned over the summer to encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of keeping active through sport as part of the city’s sports strategy. We’ll be giving out more details of these through the Coventry Sports Network.

There will be lots of things to see on the day including the popular Extreme Mountain Bike Show or try out British Cycling’s Go Ride course.

The free event will take place on Sunday 7 August between 11 and 3pm. For more information and to register for free, visit GoSkyRide.com/CoventrySkyRide.

For further information please contact Richard Smith, Cycle Coventry 07850099517 or Lynn Gallagher, Marketing & Communications Executive, British Cycling 0161 274 2000.

About Sky Ride

Sky Rides are big, celebratory cycling events which take over a town or city centre so lots of cyclists of all ages and abilities can ride safely together on a traffic-free route. With a real festival atmosphere, they’re a fun, free day out for families and friends to enjoy, with loads to do both on and off a bike.

Sky Ride Locals are free, local bike rides guided by friendly British Cycling trained Ride Leaders along scenic planned routes. With different levels, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re building your confidence or already comfortable on a bike and looking for a challenge. For more information, visit GoSkyRide.com/CoventrySkyRide.

About British Cycling

British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling as recognised by the UCI – the international federation for the sport. Based in Manchester at the National Cycling Centre, British Cycling works across all levels and six disciplines of the sport (BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-Cross, Road, Track and Cycle Speedway), from providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time, to being home to the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team.

For more information, visit britishcycling.org.uk.

Sky Ride 2016 - Confirmed dates and locations:

• Bradford - 5th June
• Southampton - 12th June
• Bristol - 19th June
• Sheffield - 3rd July
• Manchester - 10th July
• Leeds - 17th July
• Coventry - 7th August
• Ipswich - 14th August
• Liverpool - 21st August
• Leicester - 28th August
• Glasgow - 4th September
• York - 11th September