York brings on the bikes for Sky Ride

Four wheels were supplanted by two on Saturday (September 14) as York turned into a city centre cycling circuit.

The first ever Sky Ride York saw cars banished from many roads as cyclists young and old enjoyed the freedom of the city.

Hundreds of people pedalled their way past the Minster, round Clifford’s Tower and along the river to Rowntree Park, home of the weekend-long Festival Of Cycling.

From tootling toddlers to recumbent racers, everyone was having fun on the flat streets of York. Many decorated their bike at a special marquee in front of the Minster, while on the Eye of York you could race on static bikes or get some well-earned refreshment at the café.

Supported by Team Sky cyclist Ben Swift, the event replaced the roar of the combustion engine with the whirr of the well-oiled chain.

With pedestrians kept safe behind the barriers by the stewards everyone, it seems, enjoyed the ride.

The ride in pictures