About Barking and Dagenham

The Mayor of London's Sky Ride is coming to Barking & Dagenham for the first time this summer! We’re giving you the 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!

You can join the Sky Ride route at any point, 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 Barking & Dagenham’s variety and vibrancy, and to soak in the atmosphere of excitement as the area prepares to host the 2012 Olympics.

Sky Ride events are a great day out, providing the perfect opportunity to get back on your bike. For more information on the event, use the tabs above.

Click here to register and join us at the Mayor of London's Sky Ride Barking & Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham News

• Cycling in London has never been easier

  Great schemes for cyclists across London from Transport for London.

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• Getting London's cyclists back in the saddle

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

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• Mayor announces outer London Sky Rides and funding for biking boroughs

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

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Entertainment

There will be an array of activities on the day, including cycle training taster sessions and lessons on how to stay safe around lorries from the Metropolitan Police. 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?

None 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

Cycling is the best way to get to the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Barking & Dagenham! The Mayor of London's Guided Rides are organised by Transport for London and run by London Cycling Campaign volunteers who will guide you into the route. This makes it easier for you to come and enjoy the fun on the day, without having to worry about how to get there – they'll even guide you home too!

Led by London Cycling Campaign volunteers, these guided rides are only running on the day of each of the three London Sky Ride mass-participation events. Each ride has a capacity of 75 riders so make sure you register in plenty of time.

To register to join one of these rides, clikc on the Mayor of London's Guided Rides tab beneath this one.

For those wishing to use train or tube, check back here for details soon.

Route

The route for the Mayor of London’s Sky Ride Barking and Dagenham is going to be announced soon and is set to be spectacular so check back here for full details.