BRITISH Cycling has made a special presentation to key figures from the GoLakes Travel programme after getting 400 people out on bike rides in the Lake District.

Nearly 50 free guided bike rides have taken place throughout the area as part of the Sky Ride programme.

The guided rides have been spearheaded by British Cycling in partnership with the GoLakes Travel programme, which is seeking to convert visitors to greener ways of exploring the Lake District.

The final Sky Ride of the year took place on Wednesday November 26 and included a sneak preview of the forthcoming Grasmere Trail.

British Cycling presented partner organisations with a framed cycling jersey, signed by members of the Great Britain cycling team, as a special ‘thank you’ for the initiative.

Richard Ingham, cycling advisor for the GoLakes Travel programme, said: “Sky Ride Local has been fantastic for helping visitors, including families, to discover quiet and traffic-free routes across the Lake District National Park.

"These free rides have been truly inclusive and British Cycling’s enthusiastic guides have really helped to inspire participants and build confidence for all age groups. With a growing network of new, easily accessible cycling routes around Langdale, Grasmere and Windermere’s western shore, we’re hopeful that the momentum will continue and a diverse range of budding cyclists will continue to explore our stunning natural scenery on two wheels in 2015 and beyond.”

Caroline Gilbert, British Cycling’s recreation manager for Cumbria, said: "This year we’ve seen people of all ages and abilities take to two wheels on Sky Ride Local rides along the superb new cycling routes that have been created by the Go Lakes Travel programme. We’re looking forward to continuing our work in the Lake District, promoting the new routes through our guided bike ride programme, and helping lots more people to enjoy this beautiful area on bikes.”