THOUSANDS of cyclists have saddled up and got on your bikes in Southampton today.

The popular Sky Ride has returned to the city for its fourth year and the streets are cleared of all traffic for the mass cycling extravaganza.

Daily Echo:

From Guildhall Square to Mayflower Park, the family-orientated mass event has no official start or finish line; cyclists are just encouraged to join in wherever they wish and take in the views of Southampton.

The event is following the same, traffic-free 7.8km route through the city centre, central parks and docks as last year when more than 12,000 cyclists, some donning fancy dress, summoned their pedal power.

Daily Echo:

It is organised by the city council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling, and aims to encourage more people to cycle.

There are also a number of stands and cycling activities on offer at Guildhall Square, cycle skills training and face-painting at Watts Park, music on the bandstand at Palmerston Park and archery and bike maintenance at Houndwell Park.

Daily Echo:

The city will be closed off to traffic throughout the duration of the event, which is expected to last until 4pm.

See Monday's Daily Echo for full coverage of the event.