A NEW cycling event is coming to the city and it will be like no other in the UK.

Brighton and Hove City Council has approved Grounded Events’ proposal to hold a mass participation bike ride, BM Ride, which will take place on the same day as the Brighton Marathon and BM10k on April 14, 2019.

It will be the first-ever Brighton-based, city-centre ride on closed roads.

The planned route will use the Brighton Marathon route, ahead of the runners setting off from Preston Park.

The 50km ride is open to people of all abilities.

Participants will start at Hove Lawns, pass through the city centre before riding out to Ovingdean and back. A maximum of 1,000 places will be available when tickets go on sale.

There is also a chance to support a number of charities, including Cancer Research UK and Macmillan.

A spokesman for Grounded Events said: “We are looking to use the event to bolster fundraising opportunities for the wide range of both local and national charities which are involved in their events, as well as bringing more visitors to the city over Brighton Marathon Weekend.

Read more: Brighton Marathon could introduce bike ride next year

“Whether a keen cyclist looking to ride out with friends, a family looking to take on a challenge together or a fundraiser looking for an opportunity to raise money for their chosen cause, this event has something for everyone.

“Faster riders can start at the front while others follow on; this is not a race but an opportunity to enjoy the city of Brighton and Hove in a way not offered before. Ride fast, ride steady or ride easy at BM Ride.

“This will be a rare opportunity to ride on closed roads and enjoy all the atmosphere of the buzzing Brighton Marathon Weekend.

“Closed roads will give ‘newbies’ the safest possible environment to take part in a cycling event. Start waves are seeded to allow everyone to ride with people of a similar ability.”

Brighton has been home to a number of big cycling events in recent years.

Every summer there is the London to Brighton Bike Ride, and the triathlon saw record numbers compete on Sunday. In 2014, Mark Cavendish and other stars of the sport rode into the city as they completed the Sussex Stage of the Tour of Britain – an event that proved hugely successful.

Visit brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk.