Glasgow is being encouraged to get ready for the world’s biggest cycling event.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is expected to draw a million spectators over 11 days of competition, and is being billed as the biggest cycling event in history.
As a result, major road closures will be in place throughout the city in the build-up to, and duration of the event.
And the main impacted areas will be the city centre and the West End where road races will take place.
Residents and businesses are being urged to plan ahead and be familiar with the days when roads are closed and regular journeys are impacted.
Opportunity
City leaders say the Championships are a huge opportunity to showcase Glasgow and provide an economic boost.
A website gives a full rundown of dates and locations, with a series of maps detailing exact routes of races.
Glasgow hosting eight of the 13 championships at five of its world-class venues, alongside several important operational and event management hubs.
On road race days, the city is planning for attendances of up to 45,000 along the routes and up to 5,000 people visiting the official fan zone in George Square.
As a result, parking restrictions on the routes will come into force on Monday 31 July, and stay in place until Sunday 13 August.
More than 45,000 letters have been distributed to businesses and residents on or near to the affected routes to inform them of the events and impacts.
With an expected one million spectators coming to watch the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, it will be a huge boost for the city.
Richard Muir
The busiest days across Glasgow are expected to be on road race days, which will be Saturday 5 August, Sunday 6 August, Tuesday 8 August, Saturday 12 August and Sunday 13 August.
Businesses, residents and visitors are being encouraged to use public transport including rail and subway networks and active travel routes on these days.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow will once again be on the world stage in under a month’s time as we gear up to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
“Preparations are well underway to keep Glasgow moving over the course of the Cycling Worlds.
“But an event of this size will inevitably impact on how the city operates on certain days, and some closures and restrictions will be essential.
“We want to ensure businesses and residents have all the information they need to go about their daily lives when the city is busier than usual.
“If you are travelling in the city on the affected days, we would urge you to check any changes to your route and plan your journey in advance.
“The Cycling Worlds are an incredible opportunity to again showcase Glasgow and we want to ensure Glasgow can embrace this world-first on its doorstep and get involved.”
Organisers say businesses have the opportunity to get involved and celebrate the single biggest cycling event in history.
Whether it’s dressing their premises, special offers or bespoke menus, businesses can find out more about how they can take part on the business section of the Get Ready Glasgow website and by downloading the Business Readiness Guide.
Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “With an expected one million spectators coming to watch the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, it will be a huge boost for the city.
“The increased footfall will be a welcome sight for businesses across Glasgow, but this will also require careful planning and we'd encourage everyone to take a look at the Get Ready Glasgow website to prepare for the championships.
“By planning in advance and working together, we can all take advantage of what will be one of the largest events in Scotland this year.”
Get Ready Glasgow is the campaign for all the communication and engagement work being carried out to keep the city open for business and moving in the lead up to and during event time.
