LONDON May 27 (People's Daily Online)—— A record number of 70,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities is expected to take up the chance to ride on traffic-free roads through the capital on Saturday 1 August in Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, part of the world’s greatest festival of cycling.

This year the event will showcase new areas of the capital. The new, more northerly route now takes in the Strand and Lincoln’s Inn Fields while work on the new East-West Cycle Superhighway along the Embankment continues. When completed, the East-West Cycle Superhighway will provide a safe direct cycle route through central London for cyclists of all abilities.

The eight-mile circuit passes iconic London landmarks including Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral and, for the first time, goes south of the river with a loop over Waterloo Bridge, offering stunning views of London. There are a further two miles of Explore Routes through the City of London, allowing riders to meander through the historic streets of the capital.

Six Festival Zones offer riders a chance to stop and enjoy a huge range of free bike-based entertainment and to try out many different bike-based activities. There will be music and entertainment all along the route too with bands, music bikes, stilt bicycles and Penny Farthings to entertain the riders.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "This year's Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle is gearing up to be an amazing day out, packed full of bike-based entertainment for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. There can be no better way to see the sights of our great city than by taking a trip on two wheels at your own pace and in the company of family and friends. So, whether you're a budding Sir Bradley or it's been a while since you wheeled out your bike from the back of the garage, ‎don't miss out on the chance to take part in this fantastic festival of cycling."

“In only its third year, Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle has already established itself as one of London’s great free days out for all the family,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director. “It’s an amazing experience to ride through our great city on traffic-free roads and the Festival Zones offer wonderful entertainment for everyone. There’s so much to see and do and later in the day, there’s the chance to watch the excitement of criterium racing as the world’s top women, Britain’s best juniors and the Brompton World Championship Final are staged on a circuit in St James’s Park in the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix.”