A GIANT yellow fluorescent snake wended its way around Southampton city centre yesterday.

More than 12,000 cyclists – and even a black Labrador – donned the bright Sky Ride bibs to cycle the 7.8-kilometre route as the initiative returned to the city for its third annual event.

There were young families, older couples, the latest hi-tech mountain bike and a creaking “sit up and beg” contraption.

Several roads were closed off between 10.30am and 4pm to allow free movement for the cyclists, although most of the route was through the parks.

It included Mayflower Park, which had been transformed into Thailand for a free one-day festival yesterday by The King and I restaurant, which put on traditional music, dancing, food, crafts and even Thai boxing.

The Sky Ride was a big hit with the city’s cycling enthusiasts.

Andrew Graham, 47, of Winchester Road, Shirley, said: “It is terrific. There are a lot of people here and it’s a really good event. I’m very impressed.”

To encourage the party atmosphere there were entertainers, including roller-skaters pushing mini-mobile sound systems.

The event aimed to encourage more people to swap four wheels for two and improve their health, as well as easing congestion and traffic pollution.

Ray Craig, cycling officer for British Cycling, said: “It was a huge success, bigger than last year, especially with the Thai Festival. There was a great buzz.”