BOURNEMOUTH’S mayor is telling residents to get on their bikes for a town centre cycling extravaganza.

There are just days left before the town’s Sky Ride, which will see thousands of people of all ages and abilities hitting the streets to enjoy biking.

Many of the town centre’s roads will be closed to cars during the event on July 20, so all the family can take part.

The mayor, Cllr Rod Cooper, said the day is sure to be a hit with visitors and locals alike.

“I think it will be a wonderful event,” he said.

“It’s a very positive thing to do that will encourage people to get out of their cars and on their bikes. It’s a very big event for the town, and I know a lot of hard work has gone into it to make it a fantastic thing for everyone.”

At least 4,000 people are expected to take part on the day.

But the fun won’t stop when the sun goes down – for the first time ever, the streets of the town will transform into a Grand Prix-style circuit as night falls.

The Night Sky Ride will be staged simultaneously with circuit racing, and the evening will come to a close with the unique Nightglow experience.

The town’s first ever bike light spectacular will wind its way through the Lower Gardens, onto traffic-free Gervis Place, Exeter Road, Bath Hill and back on to Pier Approach.

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

Cllr Cooper said: “It has always been a very popular event and we’ll be hoping for another great year. I’ll be unlikely to get on a bike myself – it has been some time and we’d have to get everyone to stand clear – but I will certainly be enjoying the atmosphere.”