The event, held between 10am and 4pm, builds on Glasgow City Council’s commitment to create a bike-friendly city and Glasgow Life’s activities supporting people of all ages to enjoy the many benefits of cycling, and on the legacy of last year’s spectacular UCI Cycling World Championships which attracted more than 500,000 spectators.

In 2019, Glasgow became the first city in the UK to be awarded UCI Bike City status for its commitment to developing community cycling and related infrastructure and programmes. 
 
The inaugural Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle route is a four-mile loop of traffic-free roads taking in the historic Glasgow Green, Merchant City and George Square and features festival zones where riders can stop to enjoy free, family-friendly fun activities along the route.

Other sites of interest on the route include the historic City Chambers, Duke of Wellington, Glasgow Cross, People’s Palace, Nelson’s Monument and McLennan Arch. 

The huge success of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow last summer, which showcased the city’s passion for sport to a global audience, helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.     

Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow Life Chair and City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, said: "The huge success of the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow last summer, which showcased the city’s passion for sport to a global audience, helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.   
  
"We’re committed to supporting people in Glasgow to enjoy cycling’s many benefits to physical and mental health and enhance their lives. The development of cycling-related activity in our communities is a priority, to encourage and enable more people – regardless of background, age, or ability – to get on a bike for recreation, sport and travel. And we’re fortunate Glasgow not only boasts a world-class velodrome that can be used by those learning to cycle as well as elite riders, but also has many great community cycling hubs and groups that help overcome barriers to take up cycling and offer activities for both beginners and experienced cyclists.  
  
"We’re therefore delighted the city is hosting the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle as a wonderful celebration of The Power of The Bike, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to sign up and experience what promises to be a fantastic free, fun event."

The Festival Zones, located at George Street and Glasgow Green, will feature a range of spectacular activations, from bike stunt shows and street performances to cycle skills training and inclusive open cycle sessions. There will be mechanical help on offer to those in need and a range of food and drink concessions, plus music, games and face painting. 
 
Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle runs between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 9 June, with the Festival Zone open across the weekend at George Square. The Zone will be open between midday and 7pm on Friday 7 June, 10am and 7pm on Saturday 8 June and 10am to 5pm on Sunday 9 June. The Glasgow Green Festival Zone will be available between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 9 June. 
 
For those who don’t own a bike, Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle can be enjoyed on an OVO bike. With more than 50 docking stations across the city, joining in is possible for everyone.

Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle builds on the existing cycling heritage of the city, with more than 415km of cycling network already in place, with plans to invest more than £100 million and add another 270km of infrastructure in the next five years, funding permitting. Glasgow City Council is targeting improved access for all, including schools which will all be within 400 metres from the cycling network, while residents and visitors will be able to access any part of the city by bike within 30 minutes.