More than 14,000 cyclists will gather at Clapham Common this Sunday, June 21, for the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride, a 54-mile journey to Brighton Seafront. The event, organized by the British Heart Foundation, features staggered start times every 25 minutes from 6am to 9am for the full route, while the 20.5-mile ride starts between 8.30am and 9.30am.
Road closures and traffic impact
Road closures will primarily affect B roads in Surrey and East Sussex, including Chipstead, Merstham, Nutfield, Burstow, Turners Hill, Ardingly, and Ditchling. However, the B2032 near Chipstead, London Road South near Merstham, Copthorne Common Road roundabout near Crawley Down, Westfield Road in Haywards Heath, and Ditchling Road in Brighton and Hove will remain accessible throughout the event.
In Surrey, roads on the route will close from 5am Sunday and reopen by 4pm. Sussex restrictions are anticipated from 7am until 9pm, while Northend Lane to Beacon Road will stay closed northbound from 6am to 6pm. In Brighton, Coldean Lane to Ditchling Road and a section of Marine Parade will shut from 7am until 9pm. Certain stretches, mainly from Ardingly to Ditchling Common in Sussex, will remain open for southbound traffic only.
Route and rest stops
The route begins at Clapham Common in south London, winds through Surrey, and finishes at Brighton's seafront, following traffic-free tarmac roads with road closures covering most of the course. The British Heart Foundation's flagship cycling event includes six dedicated rest stops offering refreshments, toilets, medical and mechanical assistance, prayer facilities, and complimentary feminine hygiene products.
Rest stops are located at Clapham Common (toilets, water, mechanics), a 17-mile water stop, Walcountians Sports Club, The Dog & Duck Pub, Ardingly Showground, The Mac's Farm, and the Top of Ditchling Beacon. Ride rangers will be stationed throughout the route, and a complimentary 'booster' transport service is available for those who fall behind.
The organisers said: "The London to Brighton Bike Ride is beginner-friendly. We encourage everyone to get involved. We'll even help you to prepare with training plans and tips. You can ride at your own pace so no one gets left behind. We have solo rider meet up points, as well as ride rangers in every start wave to help you keep your pace on the day."
