BRITISH Cycling have confirmed the route for the HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle event, taking place on July 29.

The event will get underway at the Civic Centre at 11am, with the 4.5km course taking participants past local landmarks such as Grey’s Monument and St James’s Park, with people again being offered the exclusive opportunity to ride pitchside.

Festival zones will be situated at the Civic Centre, Grey’s Monument and St James’s Park, and will host a number of free, family-friendly activities throughout the day. The event will finish at 3pm, with people free to ride the route as many times as they wish.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said:

“Newcastle played host to a fantastic event last year, and we’ve worked hard - alongside Newcastle City Council and local businesses and attractions - to ensure that HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle will again be a truly enjoyable, free and family-friendly day out which showcases the best of the city and the real benefits of cycling.”

Councillor Kim McGuinness, cabinet member for Sport and Public Health at Newcastle City Council said: “The HSBC UK Let’s Ride event is a brilliant day out and the perfect way to encourage families to get on their bikes and cycle.

“The route this year takes in some of Newcastle City centre’s most iconic locations, including St James’s Park and Grey’s Monument, and the city centre will be awash with colour and people encouraging the riders on the route.

“As part of our weekend closures of Blackett Street there will be inspiring BMX stunt displays and a Learning To Ride programme – all taking place on a safe, traffic-free road.”

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, added: “Our partnership with British Cycling is about getting more people to experience the joys of cycling, whether they are a new or lapsed cyclist. The HSBC UK Let’s Ride series of events is designed with grassroots cycling in mind, giving people the opportunity of seeing some of our finest cities on a closed road circuit, with additional events for all the family.

“The effect of more people cycling is not to be sniffed at, it will undoubtedly lead to a cleaner, fitter, healthier Britain.”

Full details are available at www.letsride.co.uk, where people can also register for the event.