A POPULAR family bike ride event is returning to Bournemouth this summer, it has been confirmed.

Sky Ride will take place in the town centre on Saturday, July 20, with the route to be confirmed soon.

Events over the past two years have seen hundreds of keen cyclists, including families and groups of friends, get on their bikes to take on the fun 6km route around Bournemouth.

The rides, which are sponsored by the satellite firm, are staged around the country, are traffic-free and there will also be family activities on offer during the day.

This year’s event will be Bournemouth’s third and last year thousands took to the route on closed roads. This year a bigger event is promised.

At the previous event, riders were able to join in at any point and navigate the course as many times as they liked.

More details are set to follow, but last year there was a fun fair, face painting and other family attractions at Meyrick Park.

Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport at Bournemouth Borough Council, said; “We are very excited to be hosting another Sky Ride in Bournemouth. Last year’s event was a great success and we plan to make this year even bigger.

“Bournemouth means business when it comes to cycling. Through the council’s Getting About initiative our aim is to make cycling safer and encourage more people to travel by bike.

“From on-the-ground improvements such as additional cycle lanes, crossings and traffic calming measures, to cycle training for children and adults.”

It is free to register for the event. Visit goskyride.com.