London 2012: Advice for spectators of Olympic and Paralympic road events
Sarah Shaffi, Olympics editor (news)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
9:05 AM
Spectators planning to view road events during the London 2012 Games have been told they should expect very large crowds, be prepared to wait and think carefully about bringing small children.
Road events - where and when
There are 13 road events throughout the London 2012 Games.
The majority start and finish in central London, but some pass through south west London and Surrey.
The cycling road races on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 will take place on routes passing through Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Wandsworth and The Royal Borough of Richmond upon Thames, as well as Surrey.
Road races need to take place on secure roads and closures and parking restrictions will need to be put in place on the days of the competitions.
The majority of road events will be held at weekends and some competitions will only take place for a few hours beginning in the morning.
No roads will be closed overnight apart from the roads needed to build the Cycle Time Trial venue at Hampton Court Palace.
Trasnport for London (TfL) has issued advice to people who want to watch the 13 road events being held across London and Surrey during the Games.
Events including the road cycle races, marathon, race walking and triathlon during the Olympics.
The men’s and women’s Paralympic road cycling will take place at Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks.
Visitors are being told that space in London is limited, and that they should be prepared to wait for several hours as large numbers of people are expected to line the routes of road events.
People are told they should consider carefully whether to bring small children and that they should pack food and water, and sun cream or waterproof clothing, depending on the weather.
The road cycle races on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 - the opening weekend of the Olympics - are expected to be particularly busy, and spectators are being asked to try and enjoy the events in their local area instead of travelling to another viewing spot.
Motorists are being warned they will not be able to cross the race routes by road, and that road closures will be in place from early morning on event days.
TfL’s managing director surface transport, Leon Daniels, said: “As the Olympic Torch Relay and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee have shown, very large crowds will want to see the road events. Given the nature of the road event courses, viewing capacity in central London will be limited.
“We strongly advise people to plan their day and travel in advance to enjoy the best possible Games experience.”
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “London is gearing up to become a huge and wonderful sporting and cultural venue as we welcome the world for the Games.
“The road events offer a great opportunity to see some of the world’s top athletes in competition and to experience the numerous other attractions London has to offer.”
TfL is working with London 2012, the Metropolitan Police, boroughs and councils across London and Surrey on the road events, and has been providing information since March to businesses and residents on how and when the events will impact them.
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