Tour de Waltham Forest 2023

Waltham Forest Council is delighted to announce that the biggest cycling event in Waltham Forest is back for another year!

Tour de Waltham Forest will take place on Sunday 11 June from Leyton Jubilee Park. It's a great family day out for those who are new to travelling by pedal power. For those more experienced riders who want to take on a challenge, it's the perfect opportunity to know the borough better!

Last year, 800 residents took part in a ride on one of our routes. This year, Tour de Waltham Forest will be bigger and better than ever with new routes to choose from, and a range of fun activities to take part in at the finish line.

Sunday 11 June from 9am to 5pm. Start and return to Leyton Jubilee Park

Please aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time to allow time to check in and grab your wristband. Arrive even earlier if you would like to see Dr. Bike for a bike check-up beforehand!

There are four routes to choose from, starting and finishing in Leyton Jubilee Park in various lengths:

• 7km – Hackney Hop
• 14km – Coppermill Circle
• 18km – Walthamstow Wheel
• 25km – Leytonstone Loop

View our Tour De Waltham Forest routes

All routes will leave Leyton Jubilee Park through Marsh Lane, turn right onto Orient Way, and head west towards Hackney Marshes on Lea Bridge Road.

As well as exploring the borough, participants can take part in other cycling activities taking place in Leyton Jubilee Park including:

• Dr. Bike
• Smoothie Bike 
• Cycle Sprints

There will also be delicious catering outlets to refuel at!

The route

The route will be marked out by signage and there will be friendly marshals along the route to answer any questions you may have or to provide assistance.

It is important that you sign in to collect your wristband with emergency contact numbers on it. You will not be able to collect your goodie without the wristband.

You can view the route online on Google My Maps.  

Returning to Leyton Jubilee Park

When you return to Leyton Jubilee Park to finish your ride please don’t forget to collect your goodie. We have teamed up with several local bike shops to provide a £10 voucher that can be redeemed in their stores.

There will be lots of activities for you to enjoy in Leyton Jubilee Park along with catering outlets that will be announced closer to the event.

Dr. Bike

In the lead up to Tour de Waltham Forest, there will be Dr. Bike sessions taking place across the area.

The Dr. Bike sessions are free to attend and the mechanics will be able to check over the main components of your cycle including gears, chains, and breaks. Details of these Dr. Bikes can be viewed online at Cycle Confident.

If you are unable to attend one of the Dr. Bike sessions don’t worry, we will have mechanics in Leyton Jubilee Park from 8am to check over your cycle. Please allow plenty of time if you need your cycle checked before your start time.

Get in touch

If you have any other questions please contact us at cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk

If you take any videos or photos whilst taking part in Tour de Waltham Forest please share them on social media and use #TDWF2023

How do I register?

Please register online for Tour De Waltham Forest ahead of the event.

Can I register on the day?

At present, we will not be accepting registrations on the day of the event. Please register online ahead of the event.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Tour de Waltham Forest is a free event to participate in.

What time do I need to arrive and how long will it take?

Please select your arrival time for your route on the Eventbrite booking page. If you want your bike to be checked over by a Dr Bike mechanic we suggest arriving 30 minutes before you ride

What are the routes?

The routes can be viewed online at Google My Maps

Are the routes suitable for my bike?

All routes go through the Lea Valley canal towpath and therefore may not suitable for road bikes. The routes are cargo bike and adapted cycle friendly and you will not be required to carry your bike over any bridges

Will roads be closed?

The majority of all routes are on segregated cycle tracks or off road. There are small parts of each route which are on quiet residential roads and these will remain open to other traffic throughout the event.

Can I hire a bike for the event?

If you would like to hire a bike for the event through the Council’s free Community Cycle Loan Scheme, please email cyclehire@walthamforest.gov.uk

There are only a limited number of bikes and cargo bikes available which will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Bikes must be collected from Low Hall Depot prior to the event day and cannot be collected on 11 June. Access to cycles are also available through:

• Try Before You bike scheme 
• CarryMe bikes 
• Brompton Hire

Is there a minimum age to take part?

There is no minimum age to take part however all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are the rides led by a ride leader?

There will be two-time slots for each route. One in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The rides in the afternoon will be led by a ride leader however the rides in the morning will be self-guided using wayfinding signage.

How do I get there? Is car parking available?

The nearest station to Leyton Jubilee Park is Lea Bridge and bikes are permitted on Greater Anglia services at any time.

If you need to drive to the event at Leyton Jubilee Park, there are a small number of spaces available in the car park on Marsh Lane.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

It is recommended that you wear a helmet for the event but this is not mandatory. Waltham Forest Council will not be responsible for any injuries that result from not wearing a helmet.

Will food and drink be available?

Food and drink will be available to purchase at Leyton Jubilee Park from London Braai Company and St Best Jamaican.

Will there be toilet facilities?

Toilet facilities will be available at the start/finish at Leyton Jubilee Park. There will be marshals along the route who will be able to direct you to the nearest free public toilet.

Can I fundraise?

Yes, you can. Please choose your own charity and set up a JustGiving page or similar to fundraise yourself.

Will there be first aid?

Yes, first aid will be available at the start and finish locations. First responders will be present on all routes.

Will the event take place if it rains?

The rides will not be cancelled if it rains however in the event of severe weather a decision will be made on the day as to whether it is safe to carry on.

Every effort will be made to inform registered participants however please follow the Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.

I have another question, who should I contact?

Send an email to cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk or call the team on 020 8496 3000

By registering for the event you agree to the event terms and conditions (PDF).