FAQs

Prudential RideLondon is an annual world-class festival of cycling developed by the Mayor of London, London & Partners and Transport for London in partnership with Surrey County Council. The event is managed by the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership (LSCP).

• The Events

  • What is Prudential RideLondon?

    • Prudential RideLondon is a new world-class annual two-day cycling festival developed by the Mayor of London and his agencies in partnership with Surrey County Council. It combines the fun and accessible element of a free family ride in central London with the excitement of watching the world’s best professional cyclists race the following day. Taking a cue from the London Marathon, amateur cyclists will also participate by riding a 100-mile challenge on the same closed roads as the professionals, with the added incentive of raising money for good causes. The best action will be broadcast live on TV both on BBC TV in the UK and internationally.

  • Prudential RideLondon comprises four events:

    • Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, Saturday 3 August 2013, offers the chance for all the family to enjoy an eight-mile traffic-free loop on closed roads through central London passing some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Everyone is welcome, no matter what their age or ability. Cyclists will be able to cycle the course at any pace and as many times as they like with the ability to stop off en route where there will be a range of bike-based entertainment and activities to enjoy. Register now and receive a free Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle tabard.
      
      Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix, Saturday 3 August 2013, showcases the Olympic cyclists of the future in a series of junior events, celebrates the capital’s Paralympic legacy with hand-cycle racing and offers a superb opportunity to witness and support professional women’s cycle racing. The Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix races will take place on closed roads in and around St James’s Park.
      
      Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, Sunday 4 August 2013, will see 20,000 amateur cyclists take on a cycling challenge like no other through London and Surrey on a similar route to that of the London 2012 Olympic Road Cycling Races. Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 will start in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then travel through the capital and onto Surrey’s stunning country roads and hills before finishing in iconic central London.
      
      As well as an opportunity to take on a personal challenge in completing the course, participants’ involvement will benefit good causes with thousands riding for charity. There’s also a Business Relay for teams of four, riding approximately 25 miles each and handing over a baton at designated points along the way. Find out more here.
      
      Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, Sunday 4 August 2013, will see 150 of the world’s top cyclists follow the same route as the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive with an extended route to meet international race requirements.

  • When is Prudential RideLondon?

    • Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle: Saturday 3 August 2013, 09:00-16:00
      Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix: Saturday 3 August 2013, 17:00-19:30
      Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100: Sunday 4 August 2013, 06:00-16:00 (approx.)
      Prusential RideLondon-Surrey Classic: Sunday 4 August 2013, 13:00-18:30 (approx.)
      
      All timings are subject to change.

  • How can I enter Prudential RideLondon?

    • You can register for Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle here – it’s free!

      Entries for Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 have closed. You may be able to obtain a place by raising funds for a charity before charity entries close at 17:00 on 15 May.

      Visit the charity page to find out more. Or you can enter a team of four (25 miles each) in the Business Relay. Enter online. The first 500 teams to complete the entry process will be accepted into the Business Relay.

  • How was the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 ballot drawn?

    • The ballot was drawn randomly utilising the answers provided by registrants on their entry forms. It was weighted for Health and Safety purposes to help the maximum number of people get safely around the route within the nine-hour time limit.

• The Routes

  • Why will roads be closed?

    • In order to safely deliver these world-class sporting events, we must secure the routes and make sure they are clear of any vehicles. This protects both participants and spectators and will involve road closures and parking restrictions in affected areas.
      
      Before the Prudential RideLondon events, road closures are necessary to: install protective barriers, deploy traffic stewards, crowd management stewards and sport marshal volunteers along the route and to allow for some minor highway works to be carried out – all crucial for the events to take place. Due to the numbers taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and the requirements of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, full road closures are necessary for safety reasons.
      
      After the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic professional race, the removal of barriers, signage and reinstatement of any street furniture will begin.

  • Which roads will be closed to vehicles?

    • Any road used as part of the route for either Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle or the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix on Saturday 3 August or the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 or Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday 4 August will be closed for each event. Roads adjoining the closed route will have restricted access for local residents and businesses. Full details will be published by June 2013.
      
      On the event day, prior to entering a road that leads to a road closure, drivers will be made aware of restrictions. Each road closure point will be manned by an event steward to ensure the event route is secured.
      
      A map of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic showing the roads that form the route is available here. More information regarding road closures including a full list of affected roads will be made available in June 2013.
      
      Full details of road closures and parking suspensions will be distributed via a second leaflet in early July to every household and business on the route.

  • How long will roads used for the event be closed?

    • The length of closure depends on the location of the road on the event route. The organisers want to minimise the disruption to local residents and therefore will be working hard to ensure the roads are only closed for as long as is absolutely necessary. The organisers will be communicating with local residents and businesses on the route to inform them of the approximate closure and re-opening times, more information will be published on the website in June 2013.

  • Will the road closures have an effect on the wider road network?

    • Road closures will affect central London on Saturday 3 August and many parts of London and Surrey on Sunday 4 August. Motorists will not be able to cross the course of the route during events, other than in locations where overpasses or underpasses exist. Marshalled pedestrian crossings will be set up along the routes to allow people on foot to cross when safe to do so. Maps showing the routes for 4 August can be found here. A map of the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle route will be available on the website in May.
      
      Drivers are advised to avoid driving into the affected areas if at all possible. If driving in these areas, drivers should expect significant delays.
      
      Full details of the road closures and travel advice for the Prudential RideLondon weekend will be made available in June 2013.

  • What access will there be for people living and working in the roads that are closed?

    • Access restrictions will depend on the location and time that the events pass through. These will be put in place to balance the smooth running of the events while maintaining the safety and security of participants, residents and spectators. Further information on access restrictions will be available in June 2013.
      
      It is a requirement for the event routes to be completely vehicle-free, therefore please note that parking restrictions will be in place along the routes and any cars left on the route will be removed from it. Over the three weekends in the rup up to the event, all cars parked on the Prudential RideLondon routes will have leaflets placed on their windscreens with further information to help further raise awareness of the event.

  • What access will there be for visitors or deliveries to homes and businesses during the closure period?

    • Any disruption is regrettable, but by taking some simple steps in advance affected residents and businesses can minimise the impact. While the roads are closed, residents will not be able to drive through barriers or road closures. Advance notice of the date, time and location of road closures will be provided. By taking note of this information residents and businesses will be able to:

      • Consider their delivery and servicing needs, including re-timing deliveries to when access is available. Examples of deliveries include home shopping from supermarkets as well as morning bread & milk deliveries, medicines or visits from health workers etc.
      • Timetable staff to start and finish at times when access is available
      • Arrange appointments, meetings and visits at times when access is available

      Every road closure, with dates and times that they are expected to close and estimated re-opening times, will be available on the Prudential RideLondon website in June 2013.

       

  • I run a business that needs regular daily deliveries. Will local businesses receive any priority for deliveries to get through road closures?

    • There will be no opening of road closures while the Prudential RideLondon events are in progress. This is important to ensure not only that the event is not disrupted, but it is also vital for public safety. You will be given details of when roads will close in advance of the event and you are encouraged to use this information to plan ahead and minimise any potential disruption.
      
      You could consider working with your suppliers and customers to re-time deliveries to before or after the event. Examples of businesses who successfully changed the way they made or received deliveries during the London 2012 Games can be found at tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/freight/25669.aspx
      
      You should also consider signing up to the TfL road freight bulletin, which provides regular information and advice on issues impacting upon deliveries and servicing in London. Email freight@tfl.gov.uk to register to receive the bulletins.

  • What parking will be available for people living and working in the roads affected who don’t have off-road parking?

    • Restrictions will be kept to a minimum but because the event route itself must be kept clear, there will be no parking available on the route. It is suggested that you make alternative plans to park your vehicle in adjacent roads that are not affected by the events. Any cars parked on the routes after the parking restrictions have been implemented will be removed. Further information will be available in June 2013.
      
      Every household and business on the route will be contacted well in advance about local restrictions. Information will also be available online. As soon as road closures are confirmed, they will be listed with the dates and expected closure and re-opening times. The best way to ensure you are not affected is to check this information and then plan ahead and make alternative arrangements if necessary.

  • Will compensation be paid for inconvenience or lost business revenue?

    • There will not be any payments for inconvenience or lost business revenue.

  • What arrangements have been made for blue light and critical services vehicles to access the roads that are closed?

    • Planning for the events involves the Police, Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Services and other critical services.
      
      Emergency vehicles will be placed in the most appropriate locations across London and Surrey to allow any situation to be dealt with quickly and safely. Emergencies will be treated in the usual way, and the safety of residents and visitors will be dealt with as a priority.

  • Will road repairs be undertaken to resolve any issues that might affect the cyclists?

    • The quality of the road surface does not need to be perfect but must be deemed safe by London & Surrey Cycling Partnership (LSCP). LSCP is working closely with all highways authorities to ensure that their annual maintenance works are timed to ensure that the route road surface is appropriate for the events.

  • What arrangements have been made to ensure security of homes and businesses, when so many people are coming to the area?

    • The organisers are placing a large number of event stewards across the route to manage crowd access and control at the roadside.

  • Will public transport be affected by Prudential RideLondon events?

    • There will be changes to bus services in affected areas on the days of the events. Bus diversions will be in place for the duration of the events and further information will be available closer to the time. Transport for London and Surrey County Council will seek to maintain good passenger links as far as possible, to minimise disruption to passengers and local communities.

• Spectators

  • Where are the best places to watch the event?

    • The whole route is unticketed, so everyone will be able to watch for free. Certain areas will be closed to spectators for safety reasons. Further information will be available in June 2013.
      
      The route has many excellent vantage points and is close to some stunning and unique attractions. In certain areas of outstanding natural beauty and conservation areas, spectator numbers will be restricted to protect the local habitats. These are open-air events so spectators should come prepared for all weather conditions. Further spectator information will be published by June 2013.
      
      Due to road closures, parking suspensions and the numbers of expected spectators, the organisers are encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the events. For spectators who are travelling from further afield the organisers suggest to book early and stay in local accommodation.
      
      While it is best to plan your journey in advance, remember to check for any last-minute changes before you travel.

  • Are there any special provisions being made for disabled spectators?

    • We want as many people as possible to enjoy and experience Prudential RideLondon. Many parts of the route will be easily accessible.

  • What can I expect to see?

    • Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, will see 20,000 amateur cyclists take on a cycling challenge like no other riding 100 miles through London and the Surrey Hills, with many raising money for good causes.
      
      Cyclists will start over a two-hour period from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and will naturally spread out along the route so there will be quiet and busy periods with gaps between groups of cyclists. Event stewards will assist pedestrians in crossing the route at existing pedestrian crossing locations when safe to do so.
      
      During the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, approximately 30 minutes before the cyclists come past you will see our lead safety vehicles.
      
      Shortly before the professional cyclists pass, a group of police motorcycle escorts will pass along the route to warn spectators that the professional race is approaching. The cyclists will arrive, followed closely by a series of team support vehicles with spare bikes, wheels and parts, emergency services vehicles and technical officials.

  • What are the estimated rider times?

    • A where-to-watch spectator guide will be available in June 2013.

  • Will there be barriers along the routes?

    • A range of barriers will be used to create the routes for the Prudential RideLondon events and will be necessary to secure the routes and keep both participants and spectators safe.
      
      During the weeks before and after the Prudential RideLondon events, the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership and its contractors will be installing, moving and collecting barriers throughout London and Surrey to accommodate the Prudential RideLondon events.

  • I am a keen cyclist; can I cycle the route before or after the race?

    • Detailed maps of the event routes will be published here when they become available. Please keep in mind that the roads are public highways, therefore we would ask you to follow the Highway Code and be respectful of other road users and residents of the communities you may pass through. Please note that not all roads on the routes usually allow cyclists to use them, for example the A12, so please check before you cycle.
      
      For the events on Sunday 4 August, cycling on the event route is not recommended as the roads will be very busy before and after the race has passed, with preparations such as barriers and race infrastructure being put into place. Event stewards will be on hand to advise people.

  • I am travelling to the event by car. Will there be clearly signed car parks where I can park to watch the race?

    • Because we are expecting large numbers of visitors at peak times, the organisers wouldn’t recommend driving to the event on the day and are encouraging spectators to either book early and stay in local accommodation, or to use public transport to get to the events. If driving to any of the events, vehicles should be parked away from the route and spectators should either walk or cycle to viewing points (bikes can be brought in cars).

  • Is there a list of accommodation or camping sites where spectators can stay?

    • A range of accommodation options around the route are available, including top quality hotels to dormitory-style hostels or camp sites. Accommodation across London can be found at www.visitlondon.com and for Surrey at www.visitsurrey.com.

  • What steps are being taken to protect the local environment?

    • London and Surrey have many beautiful protected areas. The event organisers will work with Natural England, The Royal Parks, the National Trust and other organisations to take the necessary actions to comply with the UK Habitats Regulations and Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended).
      
      Together they will determine the scope of a Habitats Regulations Assessment as well as devise an appropriate spectator management plan. The London & Surrey Cycling Partnership (LSCP) will be using the legacy of ecological survey work completed in 2012 to inform its planning for these areas.
      
      Some areas will be controlled access to limit any degradation of sensitive landscape.

  • Who is responsible for cleaning and waste management?

    • The London & Surrey Cycling Partnership (LCSP) in partnership with other organisations will be responsible for ensuring that any waste is collected, on the roads and in neighbourhoods.

  • Will there be toilet and refreshment facilities anywhere on the route?

    • There will be a great deal of interest in the events and efforts will be made to ensure that sufficient facilities are put in place so that spectators are catered for while they watch the race. This will include both toilets and places to buy refreshments.

• Participants in Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100

  • What accommodation options are available?

    • Go to www.visitlondon.com or www.visitsurrey.com for a list of accommodation options.

  • How do I get to the Start?

    • The start of the ride is between 06:00-08:00 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) – formerly the Olympic Park – in Stratford.
      
      The is an exciting new event which involves a huge amount of planning to make sure everyone has a fantastic weekend. We are continuing to work to put in place arrangements that will ensure all 20,000 riders and their bikes reach the Start on time on 4 August and get home afterwards.
      
      There will be no parking on the day within QEOP or at Westfield, Stratford.
      
      The options available to participants will include Park & Ride locations around the QEOP and midway between the Start and the Finish. There will also be nominated drop-off points where participants and bikes can be dropped off by car.
      
      You will be notified of the time of your start time by email at the beginning of June. Faster riders will be given earlier start times to minimise the need for overtaking and spread the field. All riders will have up to nine hours to complete the ride. Riders must plan travel carefully to ensure they arrive at the Start in good time for their assigned start time as it will not be possible to start in a later wave. No riders will be able to start after the last wave at 08:00.
      
      Information on transport options to the Start will be included with the June email and participants will be asked which option they are planning to use.
      
      It will be important to plan arrival arrangements carefully so that you arrive in good time at the Start. A Final Instructions magazine will be sent to all participants in July.
      
      All participants receive a weekly e-newsletter and regular updates on transport arrangements will be inluded in this. Please ensure that you open and read these emails and respond when questions are asked.

  • How does the Business Relay work?

    • Full details of the Business Relay logistics, including changeover points etc.l, will be announced by June 2013.

If you have a specific question or issue that is not addressed by these FAQs, please call the Prudential RideLondon help desk on 020 7902 0212 or email helpdesk@ridelondon.co.uk. The Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00.