CYCLISTS taking part in the 50-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh Classic Challenge will be free from traffic for the first time in the event's 17-year history.

The full length of the Pedal for Scotland Classic Challenge route will be closed to motorised traffic for the first time ever on Sunday September 6.

More than 7000 people on bikes are expected to make the 50 mile journey from Glasgow Green to Murrayfield via closed roads, cycle paths and rural back roads, taking in sights including Linlithgow Palace.

Free refreshments are served every 10 miles.

The race, established in 1999, is Scotland's biggest bike event and is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. It is estimated to generate some £1.1m a year for the Scottish economy.

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of the event organiser, Cycling Scotland, said: “Having a traffic free route for the first time creates a safer and even more enjoyable event for 7,000 people. There is still space for more people to register and to help raise funds to tackle the impact of child poverty.

“Even with this new traffic free route, participants must still follow the rules of the road and be aware of other traffic around them, especially in those areas where the other carriageway is still open, or where some limited residents’ access and essential bus services are still in place.

“We are grateful for the work councils and police are carrying out to help deliver a great event and for local residents and businesses who deal with the disruption that such a major, successful event can bring.”

Registration is open at www.pedalforscotland.org and entry costs £28 per adult.