Cycling fever returns to city this weekend with Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle

Bicycle fever will return to Glasgow this weekend with the first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle turning the city into a two-wheeled paradise!

Article Source: London Marathon Events
Last Updated: 4 June 2024 17:33

Taking place on Sunday (9 June), Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle will be held on more than 5KM of traffic-free city centre roads between 10:00 and 16:00. It is open for everyone, of any age or ability, to join and is perfect for a family day out exploring the city on bikes.

The route takes in Glasgow Green, Trongate, Merchant City and George Square with people able to join where they want and hop on and off wherever and whenever they like.

There are also two free Festival Zones, at George Square and Glasgow Green, for people to safely park their bikes and explore.

The Festival Zone at George Square, which will include a range of bike-themed activities, isn’t just open on Sunday. It will run all weekend from Friday (7 June) to Sunday (9 June) with people able to try out pedal-powered smoothie bikes and Scalextric plus have a go on a pump track – a small cycle circuit that features small mounds and turns.

Ford will also host bike activities and a children’s creative zone within its area in George Square, which will also promote its Park the Car scheme that encourages car users to choose active travel for shorter journeys.

Schoolchildren from four primary schools across the city will get the first chance to enjoy the activities in George Square on Friday (7 June) between 12:30 and 14:30, and each school will receive £200 to spend on cycling equipment.

The George Square Festival Zone is open from 12:00 until 19:00 on Friday 7 June, 10:00 until 19:00 on Saturday 8 June and 10:00 until 17:00 on Sunday 9 June.

Glasgow Green will also host a Festival Zone on Sunday 9 June, the day of Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle, which will be open from 10:00 until 17:00 and include cycle speedway have-a-go sessions and bike upskilling sessions, plus Glasgow Green-based charity Sunny Cycles, which promotes cycling for all, will be inviting people to try out their adapted bikes.

Another highlight of the inaugural Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle is the Ford Urban Hill Climb, a challenge on the city’s famous Montrose Street for those who want to emulate the cycling greats who famously tackled its very steep incline during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

For anyone who fancies the toughest challenge, the Ford Urban Hill Climb takes place on the full 160m and 14% gradient of Montrose Street with a team from Scottish Cycling on hand to time individual’s efforts. For those who want to see what the climb is like but doesn’t want to do the full 200m distance, there is the Ford Wee Urban Hill Climb which is over 60m and is for anyone to try out.
People will be able to sign up to take part in both challenges on the day and can access Montrose Street from George Street via the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle route.

To encourage people to ride safely into Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle, free Led Rides have been organised from the north, south, east and west of the city. Led by experienced cyclists, these rides are family-friendly rides (anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult) that brings people into FreeCycle and then back again.

To take part in one of the Led Rides, you must register before the event.

The Led Rides start from:

• North (09:30 departure): Springburn Station G21 4TP (in partnership with JG Cycles and its cycling club).
• East (09:30 departure): Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG (in partnership with Glasgow Green Cycle Club).
• South (09:30 departure): Queen's Park, 120A Queen's Drive, Glasgow G42 8QN (in partnership with BikeForGood).
• West (09:00 departure): Drumchapel Cycle Hub, 195 Drumry Road East, Glasgow G15 8NS (in partnership with Drumchapel Cycle Hub).

Entry to the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle is completely free. You can register in advance at www.fordrideglasgow.co.uk or just turn up on the day to enjoy the ride.

London Marathon Events has organised the inaugural event following the huge success of Glasgow hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – which highlighted Glasgow’s commitment to be a bike-friendly city and helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.

The Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle is supported by Glasgow City Council and culture and sport charity Glasgow Life.

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