Birmingham City Ride

HSBC Bank have taken over the organisation (together with British Cycling) of a number of City Centre Rides, from the previous sponsors Sky.  City centre roads are  closed to motorised traffic for the day and thousands of cyclists of all kinds and ages ride around the 5km route enjoying the many cycling related activities on display.
Here is the account of the ride held in Birmingham on Sunday 9th June 2019.

The hub for the event was Aston University where the ride started . There were lots of trade stands and refreshments could be purchased here.

The whole length of the route was very well defined with security barriers and cones.

Thousands of bikes of every description out today but only one unicycle.

Great to see the very young out on their bikes although a little help from Dad was necessary for this one.

Birmingham city centre exhibits lots of innovative modern architecture. 

One of the displays around the course was a demonstration of stunt cycling showing just what can be done on two wheels.

Don't try this at home!

High jump from a standing start.  Amazing!

Verdict
A great day out for thousands of cyclists of every description riding on streets which are normally choked with motor traffic.  Brilliant organisation with lots of marshals at all junctions on the well planned
route.
Thanks to HSBC and British Cycling for all the hard work which must have gone into the organisation.
More such rides in other city centres as follows.
Manchester
Sheffield
Leicester