Redbridge set to host RideLondon in 2022

Redbridge is set to be one of the host boroughs for RideLondon, the world’s greatest festival of cycling, when it returns in 2022.

The proposed route for next year’s edition of the Olympic legacy event from London 2012 includes parts of Wanstead, Woodford and Hainault.

The 100-mile challenge ride will start in the capital, passing through Redbridge on its way out to Essex and then back down through the borough again before finishing in central London.

Over seven annual editions RideLondon has grown into a record-breaking festival of cycling enjoyed by more than 460,000 participants, from beginners to the world’s best professionals.

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge said:

“The news that RideLondon will be coming to Redbridge is fantastic. With the cycling event route due to travel through the borough, we have the chance to inspire people of all ages to get pedalling, and at the same give local businesses along the course a much-needed boost.

“We look forward to working closely with London’s Cycling Commissioner and RideLondon to play our part in creating a truly exceptional celebration of cycling for everyone to enjoy, as part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging cycling, active lifestyles and reducing air pollution.

“As an avid cyclist myself, I look forward to applying for a place as soon as entries open later this month.”

Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge and Cabinet Member for Finance, Leisure and Culture said:

“RideLondon 2022 is a brilliant opportunity for local people to get involved in one of the UK’s biggest cycling events, being held right on their doorsteps. With a state-of-the-art Cycling Centre in our borough, RideLondon is also a chance for Redbridge to showcase the cycling and leisure opportunities on offer here, whilst attracting visitors that will support our local high streets along the way.”

Redbridge Cycling Centre in Forest Road, Hainault, is home to purpose-built road, BMX and off road tracks for cyclists of all abilities from beginners and families to competitive riders.

The Centre has a large stock of hire bikes and offers cycle coaching to groups and individuals. Find out more at www.visionrcl.org.uk/centre/redbridge-cycling-centre/

To make it easier and safer to cycle in the borough, the council recently consulted with residents on proposed cycling improvements and road safety measures at Aldersbrook Road, Centre Road, Lake House Road, Blake Hall Road and Woodford New Road.

Next year’s RideLondon festival will take place over one day with a new format that will allow even more families to be a part of it. The new spring event date will help people engage with cycling much earlier in the year, so they can maintain the momentum to cycle all year round.

The festival is a hugely popular part of London's event calendar and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors from across London and the UK, helping to boost trade on the borough’s local high streets.

RideLondon will also feature shorter family-oriented rides on traffic-free roads. The full format of the event and routes will be confirmed in due course.

Entries for the RideLondon-Essex 100 will open on Wednesday 10 November. Find out more at ridelondon.co.uk

The event could not be held in 2020 or 2021 due to restrictions caused by the pandemic. Further details of RideLondon 2022 will be announced over the coming months.