Ford RideLondon FreeCycle – the biggest, free inspirational bike ride in the UK – returns on Sunday 28 May and registration is open now.

Enter Ford RideLondon FreeCycle.

Established by the Mayor of London in 2013 as an Olympic legacy event from the 2012 Games, this unique event offers riders of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the chance to cycle on eight miles of traffic-free roads in the heart of London, along some of the capital’s historic streets and past world-famous landmarks.

For 2023, the landmarks on the event will include the iconic royal residence of Buckingham Palace as the route returns to The Mall for the first time since 2019, enabling people to cycle along one of the world’s most famous stretches of roads, from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square.

Other notable roads and landmarks on the 2023 route include:

• Bank of England
• Guildhall Yard
• Holborn Viaduct
• Piccadilly
• Pall Mall
• Somerset House
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• The Strand
• Trafalgar Square
• Victoria Embankment
• Westminster (Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, Parliament Square)

See the full route for Ford RideLondon FreeCycle.

This year’s event will include two Festival Zones, located at Bank and St Paul’s, where riders can stop for mechanical help, food and drink and enjoy activities such as music, games and face painting. At the St Paul’s Festival Zone, there will be an opportunity to try a different form of wheel-based activity with the RollaDome All Skate charity offering recreational skating sessions and information.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of Ford RideLondon, said: “Ford RideLondon FreeCycle is a unique and wonderful event that can be enjoyed for free by people of all ages and backgrounds. I’s the perfect way to explore central London by bike, cycling on traffic-free roads and passing some of our capital’s most stunning landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “FreeCycle is my favourite part of Ford RideLondon. It offers people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the amazing opportunity to cycle through central London’s streets traffic-free and take in the capital’s world-famous landmarks. Cycling and other forms of active travel play a vital role in building a cleaner, greener and more prosperous London for everyone. It’s really important that we increase participation in cycling from more diverse groups, so if you are considering cycling for the first time why not get involved and take part in this fantastic free event. I hope to see you there.”

The 2023 Ford RideLondon FreeCycle will start at 10:00 and finish at 15:00.

Anyone can join the ride but the first 4,000 people registering in advance will receive a free Ford RideLondon FreeCycle tabard. The tabard, designed to make cyclists more visible, can be worn on Event Day as well as throughout the year while out cycling.

The popular Ford RideLondon FreeCycle Led Rides also return this year. The Led Rides see experienced riders from London Cycling Campaign bring groups of riders from every London borough into the centre of the capital to join Ford RideLondon FreeCycle. It is the perfect way for new or inexperienced cyclists – or those lacking confidence cycling on roads – to join the ride.

The Led Rides are supported by Ford’s Park the Car campaign, which encourages drivers to leave their car at home for short journeys and to cycle instead. Riders interested in joining a Led Ride will need to register before the event.

It is not necessary to own a bike to take part in Ford RideLondon FreeCycle. TfL’s Santander Cycles will be available to hire at docking stations across the city with their bikes serviced throughout the day. Find a TfL Santander Cycle docking station.

In addition to Ford RideLondon FreeCycle, three other mass participation rides will take place as part of the festival on Sunday 28 May: the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100, 60 and 30.

The Ford RideLondon Classique, a three-day UCI Women’s World Tour stage race (Friday 26 May to Sunday 28 May), features the best women’s cyclists in the world. The first two stages will take place in Essex before the final stage is held on a circuit, largely similar to the Ford RideLondon FreeCycle route, on Sunday 28 May between 15:30 and 18:00.

Enter Ford RideLondon FreeCycle.