‘World’s greatest festival of cycling’ returns to the Capital

The world’s largest mass participation festival of cycling returns to the Capital this weekend and TfL is encouraging Londoners to make the most of traffic-free streets.

Now in its sixth year, Prudential RideLondon takes place on 28-29 July, with a wide range of events across both Saturday and Sunday.

A family-friendly eight-mile traffic ride will take place on Saturday (28 July). The FreeCycle event passes iconic London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral and is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Free festival zones with music and entertainment will be open at seven locations along the route and ‘bike doctors’ will be on hand in case of any technical problems.

Rides led by an experienced cycle guide will travel to the event from every London borough, making it ‘even easier’ to get into central London to take part. Last year, more than 70,000 people cycled along the FreeCycle circuit.

Between 5am and 7:30pm on Saturday, TfL is making central roads London traffic-free for FreeCycle and the UCI Women’s WorldTour Prudential RideLondon Classique, as well as the Brompton World Championship Final and Prudential RideLondon Handcycle Grand Prix.

On Sunday, thousands of amateur cyclists will be raising money for charity by taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, 46 and 19 mile sportive events.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said:

“Every year RideLondon showcases the fun and freedom of cycling in the capital, attracting 100,000 people of all ages and abilities.

“The family-friendly FreeCycle is an amazing opportunity for Londoners to enjoy cycling through the very heart of the city on car-free streets.

“The new 19-mile ride aimed at younger and newer riders is a great addition to the world’s greatest celebration of cycling.

“Events like these help introduce young people to cycling and encourage others to get back on their bikes or cycle more – both of which are essential to our vision for a city where more people make cycling part of their everyday lives.”

Gareth Powell, TfL’s managing director of surface transport, said:

“Prudential RideLondon is one of the highlights of the city’s calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for Londoners to come together to celebrate cycling and enjoy the capital.

“Cyclists of all ages and abilities will be catered for and traffic-free roads will help to encourage more people to try out cycling in London for the first time.

“Some roads will be closed as a result so we are asking Londoners to plan ahead and check before they travel.”


25 July 2018