THE Sky Ride festival of cycling will return to the streets of Southampton this summer for the seventh time, the Daily Echo can reveal today.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the city for the annual event on Sunday, June 12.

Since 2010, more than 70,000 cyclists have participated in Sky Ride Southampton, one of a dozen similar events across the country.

This year there is a chance that one of the Southampton cyclists could be the 1,000,000th rider to take part.

Organisers hope that this year will be the best yet.

The streets of Southampton will be closed to traffic on the day, providing the cyclists the freedom of the city’s roads meaning cyclists of all ages and abilities and families can ride safely together.

The route is set to take in some of the city’s key sights such as the Bargate and Southampton Common.

Mike Harris, from Southampton City Council, said: “The event has helped to get more people out on their bikes, often for the first time in years. It’s wonderful to have so many cyclists out and about in the city centre making the most of the traffic free route.

"It’s as much fun for families as it is for individuals and can often promote a new found interest in health and fitness.”

In addition to Sky Ride, British Cycling has said it will continue to work with Southampton City Council to offer more cycling opportunities in 2016.

David Bourque, British Cycling’s director of recreation and partnerships, said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how old your bike is, or how fast you ride – at Sky Ride Southampton it’s all about getting on your bike and having fun.

“As the governing body of cycling in Great Britain, we’re the only organisation that supports cycling for everyone; from children and families to competitors at all levels – including the world-beating Great Britain Cycling Team.

“Throughout 2016 and beyond, British Cycling along with Sport England will continue to provide a number of cycling opportunities for Southampton, and are both committed to getting more people on their bikes than ever before.”

You can register for a free place or find out more at GoSkyRide.com/Southampton.

Sir Chris Hoy, Sky ambassador, said: “Over the past eight years, Tens of thousands of local cyclists have taken to the streets of Southampton as a result of the successful British Cycling and Sky partnership and we look forward to making 2016’s Sky Ride Southampton the biggest and best yet.”