THOUSANDS of cyclists took to the streets for the Bournemouth Sky Ride on Saturday night.

It launched with a family ride through the traffic-free streets of the town, which was open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Thrilling high-speed races around the town centre featuring top cyclists, corporate teams and amateur groups followed and the evening closed with the first-ever Nightglow Spectacular.

See all our pictures from the Sky Ride in a gallery

And fans also had the chance to see the bike Bradley Wiggins won the Tour de France on last year.

There was a party atmosphere on the seafront and around the town centre as families and cycling fans enjoyed getting up-close with top riders, as well as enjoying a ride themselves.

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 get people out and get some fresh air.”

Crispin Bacchus, also from Charminster, was with daughter Mia, 12.

He said: “It gets everybody out on their bikes and there are lots of families here. Even last year when it was raining there were about 600 people.”

Bournemouth Echo:

The Wright children (pictured below) – Amelia, three, Elisha, six, Bethany, seven, and Erin, six – from Parkstone, were out together.

Mum Kate Tollerfield said: “They love riding their bikes. We go riding each weekend anyway and it’s something you can do for free. It’s a good activity to get them involved in and keeps them fit.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Sophie Nash, 23 and pictured below, had travelled from Winchester in Hampshire just to take part.

She said: “I’m cycling for a charity called Cycles For All.

“They do a range of bikes for people who cannot ride a normal bike. I’m trying to raise money for my own bike. I’ve not been able to find a bike to ride on before and the charity has lent me this one for this event.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Councillor Michael Filer of Bournemouth council said: "I would like to thank the thousands of people who came into Bournemouth and took part in the town's first ever cycling extravaganza.

"I was delighted to see so many children, adults, families, and groups come together and enjoy themselves on two wheels. Never has cycling in Bournemouth been so much fun.

"This is the start of something very special. Bournemouth means business when it comes to encouraging more people to cycle and the turn out for Bournemouth Night Sky Ride clearly demonstrates there is s strong appetite  for similar events like this."