THOUSANDS of cyclists took to the streets of Bolton to join Olympic medallist Jason Kenny in the town's fourth Sky Ride.

Bicycles of all shapes and sizes zipped past the starting line in Le Mans Crescent to ride on Bolton's roads which were closed off to traffic to make the route safe for people of all abilities.

As well as the traditional two-wheeled bicycles, riders took to the roads on unicycles, three-wheelers, penny farthings and adapted cycles for those with a disability or people who needed to ride with a partner.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Jason said: "I have done the Bolton Sky Ride since it started. It's great to come into town and have a ride around places you might not normally be able to go.

"Bolton has a lot of character and very interesting buildings and architecture, so the Sky Ride is a really good way to see them in a different light on roads that are usually busy with cars and buses.

"I was on my racing bike but it's great to see so many different types of bikes taking part — even unicycles, which I can't ride myself. That's the great thing about Sky Ride is that it is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Everyone can come and have a go.

"Next year is the Olympics but I would hope to be back again as long as it fits in with the schedule. It would be a real shame to miss such a fantastic day."

After he finished his circuit — which saw cyclists go from Le Mans Crescent to Park Road from Spa Road, heading up Gilnow Road, Tudor Avenue, on to Chorley New Road and then back into town — Jason stayed to take part in a question and answer session with his fans.

He also took on Halfords bike mechanic Lukas Wood in a tyre pump contest, which saw the champion cyclist pipped to the post to the crown.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Carole Swarbrick, who waved the flag to start the event, said: "I was delighted when I was told how many people had come to Bolton for the event. It is something that the town does really well each year. It's amazing that so many people come here to ride on the empty roads, regardless of ability."

This year, those who took part could choose between a 3km or a 5km route and people came from different parts of the North West to take part.

Steve Guinness, aged 40, and his daughter Daisy, aged nine, came from Chester and braved the route on unicycles.

Daisy said: "I like riding my unicycle. I've been doing it for two years and it's lots of fun and different from everyone else."

Mr Guinness added: "We always get a cheer from people when we ride past."

Luci Lakeland, aged 35, and her daughter Isabelle, came from Preston.

Mrs Lakeland said: "We did the Sky Ride at home and enjoyed it so much this was the next one that we could attend and it's been great fun. Isabelle loves cycling — she takes after her dad who is also very keen and has all the gear."

Sophie Spiby, aged 27, from Halliwell, rode with her daughter Lizzy Ormershire, aged nine.

She said: "I haven't been before because Lizzy can't ride a bike, but they have the disability bikes this year so she can take part. It's about keeping fit and it's great that they have this each year in the town centre."

Danny Ainscough, aged 44, from Westhoughton, brought his two children Jessica, aged 10, and Joseph, aged eight, who sported a helmet that resembled a punk haircut.

Mr Ainscough said: "We all love cycling and have already done the Blackpool Sky Ride this year. This one has been great fun. It's fantastic that they put it on in the town each year."

Richard Dubertrand, aged 51, dressed as a police officer on a penny farthing-style bike.

He said: "I come here each year. It's a lot of fun and a great day out for the kids."

The event was hosted by Bolton Council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling.