South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
17 Jul 2023
ROCK UP AND RIDE
As city centre cycle racing returns for the 2023 Sheffield Grand Prix, South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, has announced the pro-circuit will be open to the public to ‘Rock Up & Ride’ ahead of the race.
Everyone is invited to cycle, scoot or wheel in a community ride, with the triple Olympic Gold medallist, at 5-5.30pm on Wednesday 19 July.
Starting at Union Street, the Rock Up & Ride event covers the same 1.4km route as the Sheffield Grand Prix pro-circuit. Riders are invited to cycle, scoot or wheel the course as many – or as few – times as they wish, and at their own pace.
South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, said: “I’ve loved cycling since I was a kid, I was hooked straightaway. It's fast, fun and gave me freedom. I’ve got such happy memories of riding around with my friends and I want other people to discover that for themselves.
“We’ve organised Rock Up & Ride to give everyone the chance to give pedal power a go, traffic free -to see the circuit from the saddle and take in the outdoor city.
“Because you don’t have to have made a career out of cycling to get involved in active travel. It really can be for everyone, regardless of age or ability. And I truly believe that enabling people to choose walking, scooting and cycling is central to building a better connected, healthier and more sustainable South Yorkshire.”
Rock Up & Ride is made possible by event partners, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Grand Prix, British Cycling and Giant Sheffield. It’s hoped the event will inspire more people to get active and consider choosing cycling, scooting or wheeling for shorter journeys.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “The Sheffield Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a go on the same race circuit as the pro athletes. I’ll even be having a go myself!
“Events like this are vital to making active travel accessible to all and to help more people realise the fun and freedom that comes with cycling. The traffic-free route is a great way to see our ever evolving city centre from a new angle and give cycling a try on the same routes as some of the country’s best athletes.”
To ride, participants should register their details at the Giant Sheffield gazebo, outside the Town Hall on race day from 4:30pm. The Rock Up & Ride circuit will be open to the public from 5-5:30pm. All participants under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. A limited number of free hire bikes and helmets will be available from the Giant Sheffield gazebo for riders without their own two wheels - photo ID and a bank card is required for hire.
Sheffield Grand Prix, now in its 9th year, is part of the British Cycling National Circuit Race Series, attracting the UK’s top teams and riders.
Everyone is invited to cycle, scoot or wheel in a community ride, with the triple Olympic Gold medallist, at 5-5.30pm on Wednesday 19 July.
Starting at Union Street, the Rock Up & Ride event covers the same 1.4km route as the Sheffield Grand Prix pro-circuit. Riders are invited to cycle, scoot or wheel the course as many – or as few – times as they wish, and at their own pace.
South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, said: “I’ve loved cycling since I was a kid, I was hooked straightaway. It's fast, fun and gave me freedom. I’ve got such happy memories of riding around with my friends and I want other people to discover that for themselves.
“We’ve organised Rock Up & Ride to give everyone the chance to give pedal power a go, traffic free -to see the circuit from the saddle and take in the outdoor city.
“Because you don’t have to have made a career out of cycling to get involved in active travel. It really can be for everyone, regardless of age or ability. And I truly believe that enabling people to choose walking, scooting and cycling is central to building a better connected, healthier and more sustainable South Yorkshire.”
Rock Up & Ride is made possible by event partners, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Grand Prix, British Cycling and Giant Sheffield. It’s hoped the event will inspire more people to get active and consider choosing cycling, scooting or wheeling for shorter journeys.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “The Sheffield Grand Prix is a fantastic opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a go on the same race circuit as the pro athletes. I’ll even be having a go myself!
“Events like this are vital to making active travel accessible to all and to help more people realise the fun and freedom that comes with cycling. The traffic-free route is a great way to see our ever evolving city centre from a new angle and give cycling a try on the same routes as some of the country’s best athletes.”
To ride, participants should register their details at the Giant Sheffield gazebo, outside the Town Hall on race day from 4:30pm. The Rock Up & Ride circuit will be open to the public from 5-5:30pm. All participants under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. A limited number of free hire bikes and helmets will be available from the Giant Sheffield gazebo for riders without their own two wheels - photo ID and a bank card is required for hire.
Sheffield Grand Prix, now in its 9th year, is part of the British Cycling National Circuit Race Series, attracting the UK’s top teams and riders.
