Cycling to venues is much easier than you may think and offers an easy and fun way of getting to your event. You could make a day of it by combining a cycle trip to visitor attractions on the way to or from your event.

We recommend planning your route in advance using the cycle tab on the spectator journey planner and taking a cycle map with you. Maps are available on the venues travel pages, along with links to cycle route information in the area. Select a venue for details 

The Active Travel programme aims to encourage more walking and cycling in the run-up to, during and after the Games, and includes a whole host of events and activities.

Cycle parking

Free, secure, managed cycle parking will be provided at all London 2012 venues.

Opening hours will vary from venue to venue. For details on the location and opening hours of cycle parking, read the venue-specific travel information. Cycle parking at all venues is as accessible as possible and suitable for hand cycles, folding bicycles, recumbent cycles and children’s cycles, as well as standard adult bikes. Cycle locks are not supplied, so please bring one with you.

Cycle guides

You can view the new routes to the Olympic Park and plan your trip using the London Cycling Guide from Transport for London. The first version is available now, with a revised version including temporary diversions and cycle parking locations around the Olympic Park is out now.

Alongside the guide for the Olympic Park, there are 14 other cycle guides covering the whole of the greater London area, showing routes that have been ridden and recommended by cyclists. You can view the areas covered and (UK residents) can order maps for free online at the TfL website

For longer distance cycling trips both within and outside of London, visit the National Cycle Network information on the Sustrans website

Free guided rides

A number of guided cycle rides are available for ticketed spectators travelling to certain Games venues. Guided rides offer an opportunity to cycle in groups of up to ten with an experienced ride leader. You will arrive at the cycle parking area for your venue, giving you confidence that you will arrive on time without getting lost. The guided rides are free of charge but booking is essential as places are limited.  

Visit your venue pages to see if there are guided rides for your session. 

Find out more and book a guided ride to the Games

Free cycle maintenance

To keep you pedalling, there is a free ‘keep you going’ cycle maintenance service available at some venues including the Olympic Park and Brands Hatch. Just turn up with your bike and the experienced bike mechanics will carry out minor repairs to help get you back on the road. You’ll need to pay for any parts needed but labour is free. Details and opening times are available on each venue page.

Cycle hire

Many bike shops within and outside London offer longer-term cycle hire. The London Cycling Campaign provides information on cycle hire opportunities in London.

Taking cycles on trains

Arrangements for taking bicycles on trains over the Games will vary between operators. You’re advised to check with the train operator before your travel or visit the National Rail Enquiries website. There will be no changes to the current restrictions on taking bicycles on the London Underground and the DLR service. (see tfl.gov.uk for details).

Cycle safely

We want to make sure you arrive at your venue safely. The spectator journey planner offers a variety of cycling options (fast, quiet, recreational) so you can choose a cycle route that suits you. You should also bear in mind these tips:

• If you haven’t been on your bicycle for some time, make sure you carry out a basic cycle check before you set off. Your local cycle shop will be able to offer advice.
• Wear bright clothing in the day and reflective clothing or accessories in low light. It is a legal requirement to have lights on your bike when travelling at night.
• Ride in a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them and allow a full doors width between you.
• Be aware that there are blind spots all around large vehicles, it is often safer to hang back
• Ride away from the gutter. If the road is too narrow for vehicles to pass, it may be safer to ride towarsd the middle of the lane to prevent dangerous overtaking by other vehicles. 
• Don’t ride through red traffic lights, you may be fined £30
• Take advantage of cycle training classes, which may be useful to get you back in the saddle if you’ve not cycled for some time. Most local authorities in the UK offer these.

The safety of spectators cycling to London 2012 venues is extremely important to London 2012. If you're considering cycling as a travel option, make sure you read the cycle safety tips provided on the TfL website or in The Highway Code.