This Sunday, thousands of cyclists are set to take to the streets of Ipswich for a traffic-free bike ride through some of the town’s most picturesque settings.
From 11am until 3pm, the town centre will be packed with cyclists of all ages and abilities taking on an easy-going five-kilometre route, while there’s also a host of activities on offer throughout the day.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Sky Ride Ipswich.
How to get involved
There’s still time to register for your place in Sunday’s ride, with sign-up only taking two minutes through the event website here. Anyone who does sign up to take part will get a free reflective Sky Ride bib and will be entitled to an expert bike check at Halfords. On the day, sign-in takes place at The Hub and Long Street, University Campus Suffolk.
What’s the route?
As the above map shows, after starting near University Campus Suffolk, the route takes you along Ipswich Waterfront before heading up St Peter’s Street, past Cardinal Park before a lap around Ipswich Town Football Club’s Portman Road home.
From there, it’s back into town, up St Nicholas Street, along Tavern Street and then back down Upper and Lower Brook Street as the ride heads back to the Waterfront, via Star Lane, for the finishing line. In total, the route covers five kilometres.
Are there road closures around town during the event?
Yes, it’s a traffic-free ride so there are a number of roads closed for the duration of the event.
All or part of the following roads will be closed: Neptune Quay, Wherry Quay, Common Quay, Albion Wharf, St Peters Wharf, Key Street, Foundry Lane, College Street, Star Lane, St Peters Street, Cutler Street, Wolsey Street, Cecilia Street, New Cardinal Street, Chalon Street, Princes’ Street, Portman Road, Constantine Road, Sir Alf Ramsey Way, St Nicholas Street, Queen Street, Tavern Street, Upper Brook Street, Lower Brook Street, Star Lane, Grimwade Street, New Street, Long Street.
See here for more information on road closures.
Where can I park?
Cromwell Square is closed for the duration of the event, but there is plenty of parking on offer at Portman Road, Fore Street, Athena Hall and RCP Car Park on the Waterfront.
What else is going on on the day?
Sky Ride is more than just a cycle ride, with a festival-like atmosphere set to surround the event this year.
The Hub is the place to go for any information you need to know, including signing-in, collecting your Sky Ride vest and expert technical advice from Halfords staff. There’s also a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake, pre or post ride.
The new Keep Pedalling area is a great place to find out about cycling opportunities in Ipswich, meet local ride leaders and check out an interactive map of local rides.
The Tricks & Tunes area has been designed to get your jaw dropping and your heart pumping. This year Sky Ride Ipswich welcome Europe’s number one mountain bike and BMX demonstration team, led by multiple British and European trials champion Danny Butler. Meanwhile coaches from British Cycling’s brilliant Go Ride programme will be running skills sessions for under-16s – and there’s a chance to win £50 of Halfords vouchers at the event too.
At The Marketplace you’ll find loads of community organisations and clubs, plus local bike shops, retailers and places to get a drink or a bite to eat.
Suffolk police will have mobile police station present throughout the day from 10am, behind Willis at Cromwell Square car park. The team will be on hand to offer bike marking, register on Immobilise and give cycle security advice.
Are there any special guests?
As well as the BMX demonstration team led by Danny Butler, Team GB BMX star Kyle Evans will be taking part in a number of demonstrations and appearances throughout the day. The 21-year-old will be at the ride’s opening at 11am, as well as various locations along the route to meet participants, sign autographs and a Q&A at The Hub at 1.20pm.
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