Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle

A new family-friendly, free event this summer will offer cyclists of all ages and any level of ability an opportunity to enjoy a ride on traffic-free roads through the heart of Glasgow.

Taking place on Sunday 9 June from 10am to 4pm, the first Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle will cover a four-mile city centre route. Participants can do as many laps as they wish, hop on and off their bikes wherever and whenever they choose, and enjoy fun activities at festival zones in George Square and Glasgow Green.

Organisers London City Marathon Events are staging the inaugural event following the huge success of Glasgow hosting the 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.

Local cycling clubs and community hubs are gearing up for the event’s arrival in the city. It has also been heralded by Glasgow cycling champion, Katie Archibald.

Currently preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katie Archibald said: “As someone who knows the roads of Glasgow extremely well, I am excited that the people of the city are going to be able to enjoy them on the traffic-free route at the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle. Cycling is great for the body and mind and the more people we can get on two wheels the better – and there is no better place than Glasgow for that.” 

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “We’re committed to encouraging and enabling people to get on a bike for recreation, sport and travel so they can enjoy the many benefits to physical and mental health. In addition to the city’s excellent infrastructure and world-class facilities, Glasgow’s fantastic cycling hubs, clubs and projects support people – regardless of their background, age and abilities – to make cycling part of their lives. And the incredible success of the UCI Cycling World Championships helped us create a lasting legacy that ensures our communities continue to be inspired and involved in cycling.  

“We’re therefore delighted the city is hosting the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle and hope as many people as possible will sign up to get involved in what promises to be a fantastic free, fun event celebrating The Power of The Bike.” 

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events, said: “As we countdown to the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle on 9 June, the excitement is building and it’s great that so many of those community groups who are the heartbeat of the cycling scene in Glasgow are looking forward to the day.

“This event builds on an already proud cycling heritage in Glasgow, and the legacy of the UCI Cycling World Championships last year which showed the city off at its very best. There is no better way to see the city than on your bike, on traffic-free roads with your family, friends, or by yourself.”

For those who don’t own a bike, Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle can be enjoyed on an OVO bike. For details of the 50 docking stations across the city, click here.  

Details on the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle are available at www.fordrideglasgow.co.uk. Anyone interested in taking part can register via the website or just come along on the day to join in.