British Cycling and HSBC UK will be returning to Newcastle in July following the success of last year’s free, family cycling event.

HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle (formerly Sky Ride) will take place on Sunday, July 26, when 4.5km of city centre roads will be closed to traffic to give thousands of locals the perfect opportunity to explore the city on two wheels.

During last year’s event, research by Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory project has revealed that, when city centre roads were closed to traffic, levels of harmful nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) fell by about 75 per cent.

This year’s event will have a strong community focus, linking up with local attractions, while along the route there will be a range of local community groups, bike shops, local performers and giveaways, with participants encouraged to hop off their bikes and find out more.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Last year, we were blown away by the response of the thousands of local people who got on their bikes and joined us.

“Along with HSBC UK and Newcastle City Council, we are passionate about creating better cities for cycling, and events like HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle are a fantastic opportunity for people to get on their bike and take that first step towards making cycling a part of their everyday life.”

HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle will be the eighth in a series of 14 events across the UK this summer, which are a key part of British Cycling and HSBC UK’s vision to get two million more people on a bike by 2020. Over 100,000 people attended last year’s events, cycling a combined total of over 1.5 million kilometres in the process.

Luke Harper, head of HSBC UK’s partnership with British Cycling, said:

“Taking part in an HSBC UK Let’s Ride event is a great opportunity to cycle around Newcastle without traffic, seeing its landmarks from a completely different viewpoint. These events provide a great day out for families, those who want to get back on their bike after allowing it to collect dust at home, or for the more experienced cyclists who want to try something a bit more relaxed. Plus, you will be doing your bit to help create a greener, fitter, healthier Britain.”

Full details of the day’s activities and route will be announced in due course.