About Hillingdon

Sky Ride comes to Hillingdon for the first time this summer! It's a unique opportunity to ride your bike through the streets, without a car in sight. It’s free and easy to register and anyone can get involved, no matter how wobbly you might be on a bike!

Those who take to the streets will enjoy a variety of fun activities and entertainment. The route is entirely open and optional, so you can come and go as you please and ride for as long as you choose.

Riding your bike can be one of the most rewarding ways to take in Hillingdon’s beautiful scenery and renowned country parks.

For more information about the event, use the tabs above.

Click here to register to join us at the Mayor of London's Sky Ride Hillingdon.

Why not sign up for one of the Mayor of London's Guided Rides which are a great way to get to and from Sky Ride Hillingdon? Find out more.

Hillingdon News

• Now you can ride to the Mayor of London's Sky Ride Hillingdon - and back!

  Want to come and join in the fun at Sky Ride Hillingdon but not sure how to get to the route?

  Read More
• Mayor announces London Sky Rides

  The Mayor of London has announced two Sky Rides in outer London boroughs.

  Read More
• Cycling in London has never been easier!

  Great schemes for cyclists across London from Transport for London.

  Read More
• Getting London's bike riders back in the saddle

  Nervous about getting back on your bike? Find out more about free or subsidised cycle training in London.

  Read More

Entertainment

We'll be hosting an array of activities on the day, including cycle training taster sessions and top tips from the Metropolitan Police on how to stay safe when you're on your bike. Sky Ride ambassador Jeff Brazier will by dropping by, as will pro cyclists Rebecca Romero, Sarah and Barney Storey, and Greg Henderson. Don't miss your chance to meet them! Full details of entertainment and family fun will be available here soon.

FAQs

What is the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride?

It’s a fun mass-participation cycle ride! Roads are closed to create a safe, fun, traffic-free environment. The ride is suitable for new cyclists and shows how easy it is to get around London by bike.

When and where are the Mayor of London’s Sky Rides taking place in 2011?

There will be three events in London:

Central London Sky Ride – Sunday 4th September
London Borough of Hillingdon – Sunday 31st July
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham – Sunday 21st August.

How long will the routes be?

The Central London route will be approximately 15km long.
Hillingdon will be approximately 10km long.
Barking and Dagenham will be approximately 10km long.

Do I have to cycle the full route without stopping?

No, there will be various rest, refreshment, toilet and first aid points along the way. You can join and leave the route at any point.

It’s been ages since I rode a bike - can I still join in?

Of course! As the saying goes, you never forget how to ride your bike. All abilities are welcome. And even if you don't want to cycle, you can still come along and and soak up the atmosphere. Free and subsidised cycle training is available for adults and children within most London boroughs. If you need to brush up on your skills visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling for more information. If you need some advice, why not try a Sky Ride Local ride www.goskyride.com/about/local-rides.aspx where you can cycle in a small group and learn tips from our friendly ride leaders at British Cycling.

Will there be any activities or entertainment along the route?

Yes, there will be an array of fun activities for all ages on the day. Further information on these areas will be available nearer the time.

Can I stop to purchase food and drink?

Yes. Feel free to stop off at any of the refreshment kiosks or local shops available on the day of the event.

 
Do I get a hi-visibility bib?

All participants will be given a free hi-visibility Mayor of London’sSky Ride bib (while stocks last).

How much does it cost to participate in a Sky Ride?

It’s free to register and take part!

Do you need to register to come along?

Last year the Central London event was incredibly popular. To help us make plans for the day we are asking everyone to register for the event. Knowing how many people are planning on joining us will help us make the day as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Will all my friends need to sign up?

It would be great if you could get all of your friends involved in Sky Ride too! You can register friends when you sign up for the ride.

I'm bringing my kids, do I need to register each one?

This year, we've made it much easier to register. Rather than individually registering each member of your family, you can tag all children aged 15 and under on to your registration. Simple as that.

Is Sky Ride suitable for child bike trailers? 

Of course! Sky Ride is all about fun for the whole family, as the London routes will be using traffic free roads your trailer should just coast along.

 
How fit do I have to be?

Nne of the rides are a race, so even if you're not the fittest person in the world you can still have a go - just take it easy and set your own pace.

Can I hire a bike at the Sky Ride?

Bikes are available to hire from a number of bike shops around London. Closer to the event dates we'll be adding details of places where you can hire a bike. More details about Barclays Cycle Hire can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire. Please bear in mind the scheme will be very busy on the day.

 
Does it really matter if my bike is old?

Not at all! We welcome cyclists from all walks of life with bikes to match. Just give your bike a health check and some TLC beforehand to make sure it's ready for the road. We'll have more tips on how to do this soon. On the day it's also a good idea to bring a puncture repair kit, spare tubes and a bike pump - just in case.

What should I bring?

The most important thing to bring is a bike! You might also consider bringing:

• A helmet
• Snacks and water/drink
• Sun cream
• A big smile!

What happens if it rains?

You might get wet! The rides will be going ahead come rain or shine, so it's a good idea to be prepared.

I haven't received an email of confirmation for my booking. What do I do?

Please contact us directly via the contact us section on the website.

Which roads will be closed for Sky Ride?

The details of road closures for the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride haven’t been confirmed yet. You’ll be able to view them under the ‘Getting There’ tab as soon as they are.

Will residents be able to access local roads on the day of the event?

Some road closures will be necessary; we'll work with the Emergency Services to manage emergency access and access for those with disabilities. Nearer the event date, a map of road closures will be published and local residents will be contacted.

What about emergency access to roads involved in Sky Ride?

Some road closures will be necessary; we'll work with the Emergency Services to manage emergency access and access for those with disabilities. Nearer the event date, a map of road closures will be published and local residents will be contacted.

What about transport services along the roads involved in Sky Ride?

We'll work with transport providers to minimise disruption to transport services.

Getting there

Getting there by bike

The Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Hillingdon is committed to making your journey to the event as hassle free as possible. The perfect way to join the route is by bike – remember there is no official start location so you can join the ride at any point.

Excited about cycling traffic-free streets but worried you'll have to face the busy roads first before you enter the calm of the route? Our Guided Rides are hosted by London Cycling Campaign marshals who will guide you into the route at a relaxed, easy pace, perfect for beginners and families. Find out more.

If riding to the route isn't possible because of the distance or if you have young children, you'll also find information below on public transport options and car parking.

Getting there by bus

Non-folding bikes aren’t accepted on buses, but folded bikes are at the driver's discretion. The rules are the same for pushchairs and larger items of shopping and luggage.

Getting there by train

The nearest train station to the event is Hayes & Harlington. Alternatively, South Ruislip and Northolt Park train stations are approximately four miles from the event. You can find train times and fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Please note that while folding bikes can be carried by all train operators provided they can be accommodated safely, capacity for non-folding bikes is very limited on train services. Trains calling at Hayes & Harlington are operated by First Great Western (two non-folding bike spaces per train) and Heathrow Connect (one non-folding bike space per train). Trains calling at South Ruislip and Northolt Park are operated by Chiltern Railways.  

Please be aware that demand for bike storage on trains on the day of the event will be much higher than usual. Please be patient and understand that you may not be able to get your first choice of train with your bicycle.

We are liaising with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) regarding planned engineering works. View engineering works planned for 31 July.

Getting there by car

On-street car parking will be severely limited around the route and we advise that you do not drive to this event. If you do decide to drive, the following car parks will be accessible:

• Hayes and Harlington Station
• Pump Lane
• Civic Hall
• The former swimming pool car park in Central Avenue.

Check car park locations and charges.
 

Route

Download a larger version of the official Mayor of London's Sky Ride Hillingdon route map.

Take a look at the route on Google Maps.