Sky Ride Plymouth to include new Laira Rail Bridge link

The route for this year’s Sky Ride Plymouth event has been announced – and it will include the brand new Laira Rail Bridge cycle path.

Work to restore the disused bridge is well under way and the new walking and cycling link over the River Plym will be open in plenty of time for the big event on Sunday 31 May.

Sky Ride Plymouth is a free mass-participation cycling event for all ages and abilities and lets people have fun on bikes on traffic-free roads. This will be the fourth year that Sky and British Cycling have brought one of their ‘big bike events’ to the city.

Starting in Saltram Park, the eight-kilometre circular route will take in the spectacular National Trust estate, the Embankment (passing the Blagdon Meadow county wildlife site) and Laira Rail Bridge before returning to Saltram via The Ride.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening the new Laira Rail Bridge link and it will be great to see cyclists of all ages taking to this iconic landmark as part of Sky Ride Plymouth.

“The new link will connect existing walking and cycling paths, including National Cycle Network Routes 2 and 27 and improve access to the Laira Heritage Trail – and the event will be the perfect way to showcase this.

“I hope lots of people sign up for this year’s Sky Ride, jump on their bikes and take advantage of another fantastic, free day out for all the family – taking in some of Plymouth’s most scenic routes.”

Brian Johnston, British Cycling’s Recreation Manager, said: “Plymouth’s Sky Ride is the very first big bike event in the calendar for 2015 and we are delighted to be kicking off the season here – it’s always a fantastic day and we always enjoy working with Plymouth City Council.

“The route for this year is going to be great once again, especially including the Laira Rail Bridge cycle path.”

Sky Ride Plymouth will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm and further details will be announced soon. To register visit the Sky Ride Plymouth web page.

SWH Civils is the main contractor for the Laira Rail Bridge project.