HUNDREDS of keen cyclists flocked into the city to participate in Cycle Winchester's mass ride.

Around 420 people are estimated to have participated in the seventh event of its kind - a record turnout.

People young and old, from in and around Winchester, descended into the city for the event which began at 10am and culminated with a processional lap at the King Alfred Statue on the Broadway at 10.40am. Groups cycled in from Kings Worthy, Harestock, Badger Farm, Highcliffe and Colden Common and Twyford.Hampshire Chronicle: Cyclists in the cityCyclists in the city (Image: Newsquest)

The event was held on Saturday, September 30.

Cycle Winchester's Emma Street spoke to the Chronicle.Hampshire Chronicle: Emma Street said It was brilliantEmma Street said It was brilliant (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "I think it was brilliant, it felt like a lot of fun to me, and there was a bumper turnout.

"We reckon that over 400 people joined the ride, which shows that there are lots of people who cycle in Winchester.

"I think Winchester hasn't got a lot of infrastructure so we're working on that and we desperately need that. We have a lot of bike-friendly cafes and organisations in the city, but it would be great to have a lot more of that infrastructure now.Hampshire Chronicle: Cyclists in the cityCyclists in the city (Image: Newsquest)

"I want to say thanks to everyone who has come today, it's a real show of strength for cycling in the city and we're excited for where that could lead."

Some of the many people who took part in the mass ride include the Howatt family.Hampshire Chronicle: The Howatt familyThe Howatt family (Image: Newsquest)

Rosie Howatt told the Chronicle: "It's been brilliant. We have done it before but this is the first time with our children, we cycled in from Upham and joined the Colden Common and Twyford groups.

"We use our bike trailer for our daily commute to school."

Anne Forder, Duncan Burch and Kat and David McChesney all participated with their children.Hampshire Chronicle: Anne Forder, Kat and David McChesney, Duncan Burch and childrenAnne Forder, Kat and David McChesney, Duncan Burch and children (Image: Newsquest)

Duncan said it was his "second time, and it was a brilliant day out for the family.

"It took a lot of energy but wasn't difficult, it was a nice friendly pace for families, my average was 3.7mph according to my smartwatch."

David said: "It was really good, the biggest one so far and it was a great way to spend the day."

Among the hundreds of cyclists was Lib Dem Councillor Steve Cramoysan.Hampshire Chronicle: Cllr Steve CramoysanCllr Steve Cramoysan (Image: Newsquest)

He told the Chronicle: "This was my third time, I missed last year but this year it's huge.

"It's been fun, it is really impressive with how many people participated, it demonstrates how people would choose to cycle every day if it was safer on roads.

"It can be slightly scary on the road, some cars assume they can go by but that is down to councillors like myself to support Winchester and find funding."