BOURNEMOUTH town centre will be transformed into a Grand Prix style racing circuit this summer as part of this year’s Night Sky Ride event.

Westover Road, Gervis Place, Exeter Road, Bath Hill and other central locations will form part of an evening race circuit which will see elite cyclists competing at speeds of up to 50 mph through the streets.

Thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities are expected to take part in the family bike ride event Sky Ride on Saturday, July 20. The Night Sky Ride will be staged simultaneously with circuit racing as well as a fun and interactive Nightglow experience, from 6.30 pm until 10.30 pm.

Car free roads will mean that both children and adults on two wheels can leisurely enjoy a town centre experience with a series of short, intense races around the specially designed road circuit.

The evening will come to a close with a nightglow procession; the town’s first ever bike light spectacular, which will wind its way through the Lower Gardens onto traffic-free Gervis Place, Exeter Road, Bath Hill and back onto Pier Approach where everyone will be encouraged to light up themselves and their bikes.

Awards will be presented to the best dressed participants, those with the most unique and interesting bikes and the best lit cycles.

Cllr Michael Filer, Cabinet member for transport,left, said: “We are very excited to be hosting Bournemouth’s Saturday Night Sky Ride and circuit racing event.

“This will be the first time we have closed off the town centre for such an event and I would invite everyone to be part of the town’s first ever evening bike friendly event.”

The Sky Ride and circuit racing is free and part of the council’s Getting About initiative. To find out more visit bournemouth.co.uk