RideLondon-Essex cycling event that closed roads in county cancelled next year

RideLondon, a huge cycling event that often caused upset in Essex because of extensive road closures will not take place next year. The mass participation ride will not take place in 2025, with organisers saying they would work on a new concept for the event.

RideLondon's organisers have said that full refunds will be given to everyone who has entered the 2025 RideLondon-Essex 100 mile event. Entires for other categories had not yet opened before the event's hiatus was announced on Wednesday (September 11).

RideLondon was first held in 2013, and often crisscrossed through Essex, often annoying locals due to lengthy road closures. It took place annually until 2019 but was cancelled, due to the Covid pandemic, in 2020 and 2021. It returned in 2022, in partnership with Essex County Council.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of event organisers London Marathon Events, said: “We feel the time is right to take a pause this year and bring all stakeholders together to work on a new concept for the world’s greatest festival of cycling. No event in 2025 means that we can focus on a full strategic review of RideLondon, and design a new concept which will engage more riders of all ages and abilities and inspire hundreds of thousands more people to cycle more often.”

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London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: “It’s disappointing news that RideLondon won’t be taking place next year; it’s a fantastic event to celebrate cycling that brings together cyclists of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes. I am committed to working with all partners to bring back this hugely popular event in the future.’’

Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “Essex County Council has been proud hosts of RideLondon for the past three years. Not only has this event brought substantial funding into our county to encourage physical activity but it has inspired many to get involved in physical exercise and take up active travel."

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