Michael WilkinsYork has for a long time been known as one of the most cycle friendly cities in the UK. We have one of the country’s most comprehensive networks of cycle routes, and hopefully, at one point or another, a majority of us have enjoyed a bike ride along the river bank or through our winding city streets. The bicycle is therefore become part and parcel of part of our cultural identity. In recognition of this fact, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games (LOCOG) has given permission for the Torchbearer to be escorted through York by cohort of 200 local cyclists. York and Cambridge, the other great cycling city, are the only legs of the Torches relay to be given the opportunity.
It promises to be quite the spectacle. The convoy will travel along the Tadcaster Road before peeling off at Micklegate Bar. After their triumphal procession, the cyclists will be rewarded with entertainment at Knavesmire, where a day of events and sporting activities will be concluded with a set from Katy B. The squadron of lucky cyclists will be drawn mainly from local cycle clubs and groups, with a lucky few winning positions as prizes through local press competitions.
This is just another way that York citizens can be involved with this once in a life time event. Councillor Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member, stated that it is just another way of including York citizens in the Olympics. After criticism for an unavoidably London centric approach, the Torch relay itself has been one of the most successful projects of the (LOCOG) to include the whole nation in the build up to the 2012 Olympics.
If you would like to get involved with the 2012 York Torch relay, entraining the crowds or just cheering on the Torchbearer and his escort, do not hesitate to contact them here.
