Read a full round-up of the Sky Ride after it took place, see all our pictures and watch video footage in our story here

THOUSANDS of cyclists are taking to the streets for the Bournemouth Sky Ride this evening.

With something for everyone the event is expected to be a huge success.

It will launch with a family Sky Ride through the traffic-free streets of the town at 6.30pm, which is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.

A thrilling race around the town centre featuring top cyclists, corporate teams and amateur groups will follow from 7.10pm, and the evening will close with the first-ever Nightglow Spectacular from 9.30pm until 10.30pm.

And fans of two wheels will also have the opportunity to meet some of the 130 elite cyclists expected to take part, as well as posing with the bike Bradley Wiggins won the Tour de France on last year.

Kate Tollerfield was with her children Amelia, three, Elisha, six, Bethany, seven, and Erin, six.

Kate said: "We did it last year in the rain.

"They love riding their bikes. We go riding each weekend anyway and it's something you an do for free.

"It's a good activity to get them involved in and it keeps them fit."

Chris Blake, from Charminster, was with daughter Claudia, 12.

He said: "We did it last year and we wanted to do the different route this year.

"It's great to ge people out and get some fresh air."

Councillor Michael Filer, Bournemouth Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are very excited to be hosting Bournemouth’s Saturday Night Sky Ride.

“We are offering residents and visitors the opportunity to come into Bournemouth on a Saturday night and take part in a fun and interactive bike-themed adventure.

“This will be the first time we have closed off the town centre for such an event. I would like to invite everyone to come into the town and be part of the Bournemouth’s first ever evening bike-friendly event, which will be a unique cycling and wheels experience.”

For more information about the event visit the website bournemouth.gov.uk/skyride

DON'T FORGET YOUR LOCK

Bournemouth Council officials are calling on cyclists to keep their bikes safe for the Sky Ride.

With thousands expected for the event, communications manager Carly Earnshaw said riders should keep their bikes locked up.

“There’s going to be so much to see and do that we’d ask everyone taking part to make sure their bikes are safe when they’re not riding them. Sadly, it’s a practical concern that cyclists should take into consideration, and we’d encourage everyone to bear it in mind for the evening,” she said.