Thousands of bicycles fill the streets for the inaugural Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle
The streets of central Glasgow were filled with thousands of bicycles yesterday as the first ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle was held in the heart of the city.
Article Source: London Marathon Events
Last Updated: 10 June 2024 9:08
Images: Ford RideGlasgow
Riders of all ages and on all types of bikes enjoyed the rare treat of cycling on 5KM of traffic-free roads on a route that included George Square, Merchant City, Trongate and Glasgow Green.
Participants were able to take part in the event for free, get on and off the route wherever they liked and enjoy fun-packed Festival Zones in George Square and Glasgow Green. In George Square, the entertainment included thrilling demonstrations from Scotland’s cycle stunt team The Clan, a children’s bike skills track and pedal-powered Scalextric, while in Glasgow Green people tried cycle speedway with Glasgow Cyclones and cycling on adaptive bikes with local charity Sunny Cycles.
More than 100 people arrived at the event via organised Led Rides that came in from the north, south, east and west of the city. The rides saw groups of cyclists brought into the event under the guidance of experienced ride leaders and then returned to the four corners of the city at the end of the day.
Those looking for a challenge tried out the Ford Urban Hill Climb, held in partnership with Scottish Cycling. It saw people giving it their all 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. Those choosing something a bit less challenging, took the option of riding a smaller section of the famous incline as part of the Ford Wee Urban Hill Climb.
The Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle began at 10:00 and finished at 16:00 with the Festival Zones open until 17:00. Event sponsor Ford were in the George Square Festival Zone promoting their Park the Car scheme that encourages car users to choose active travel for shorter journeys.
Samantha Allen, Event Lead of Ford RideGlasgow, said: “It has been an absolute delight to see thousands of people out on traffic-free roads 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. 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.”
Fraser Little was one of 26 members of the Glasgow Inclusive Cycling Club who took part in today's Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle. The club 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, said: “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.”
Ford RideGlasgow was organised by London Marathon Events and supported by Glasgow City Council and culture and sport charity Glasgow Life.
For more information on Ford RideGlasgow, visit fordrideglasgow.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links