Keen cyclists will be gathering this weekend for British Heart Foundation’s fundraiser cycle ride from London to Brighton on June 15. The 54-mile route will start in Clapham Common and end at Brighton Seafront, and mostly consist of closed country lanes for riders.
With over 14,000 cyclists taking part, there will be some road closures to be mindful of, as well as other advice to follow whether you’re passing by, taking part or cheering someone on. The London to Brighton Bike Ride takes place on Sunday June 15, and start times are staggered every 30 minutes, from 6am to 9.30am.
Road closures
Road closures will primarily impact B roads through Chipstead, Merstham, Nutfield and Burstow in Surrey and Turners Hill, Ardingly and Ditchling in East Sussex. Fortunately, the B2032 near Chipstead, London Road South near Merstham, Copthorne Common Road roundabout near Crawley Down, Westfield Road in Haywards Heath and Ditchling road in Brighton & Hove will remain open throughout the event.
The BBC reported that most Surrey roads included on the ride’s route will close at 5am on Sunday and reopen by 4pm. In Sussex, closures are expected from 7am until 5pm, with Northend Lane to Beacon Road remaining closed northbound until 7pm.
In Brighton, Coldean Lane to Ditchling Road and a part of Marine Parade will close from 7am until 9pm. Parts of the route will remain open for southbound vehicles only, primarily from Ardingly to Ditchling Common in Sussex.
BHF London to Brighton Bike Ride route map
The British Heart Foundation’s event covers 87km from Clapham in south London, through parts of Surrey to Brighton’s seafront on Sunday 15 June. The 54-mile route is mostly on closed, traffic-free tarmac roads, with road closures making up 80% of the route
The organisers explained: “The London to Brighton Bike Ride is beginner-friendly. We encourage everyone to get involved. We’ll even help you to prepare with training plans and tips. You can ride at your own pace so no one gets left behind. We have solo rider meet up points, as well as ride rangers in every start wave to help you keep your pace on the day.”
Where are the rest points?
Because the event aims to be inclusive of all abilities, there are multiple rest points throughout the ride. The five rest stops will provide food, toilets, and medical and mechanical help, so that participants feel supported throughout the day.
As seen in the route map, these are split across the journey and include: Walcountains Sports Club, the Dog and Duck, Ardingly Showground, Wivelsfield and Ditchling Beacon. These rest points will also have prayer points and free feminine hygiene products to ensure the event is accessible for all.
Alongside the designated rest points, ride rangers will be on hand throughout the route to help cyclists out with anything they need on the day. Likewise, there is a free ‘booster’ transport to help you along the way if you fall behind.
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