Get Ready Glasgow

Glaswegians are being encouraged to get ready and plan ahead as anticipation builds for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships that takes place across the city and Scotland in just over three weeks’ time.

The Cycling World Championships will be the single biggest cycling event in history, with 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. Venues will also be buzzing with activity as competition takes place across the city every day of the championships.

As a result, Glasgow will be busier than usual in the lead up to and during the event, with business, residents and commuters being reminded to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with the ways in which their usual journeys around the city may be impacted.

The event’s road race events will have an impact on travel and transport around Glasgow’s city centre and the west end, in particular, on the days before and during competition. Closures and restrictions are needed to build the cycling road race courses and facilitate the safe delivery of the event for participants, spectators and businesses.

As a result, parking restrictions on the routes will come into force on Monday 31 July, and stay in place until Sunday 13 August.

Road closures will come into effect from 0001 hours, Friday 4 August until 2359 hours, Tuesday 8 August and then again on 0001 hours, Saturday 12 August until 2359 hours, Sunday 13 August.

All route and road closure maps are available on the Get Ready Glasgow website and 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.

For businesses located in the city centre, an access and egress plan has been developed to allow them to service their premises during the period of the road closures. This access will allow for businesses to make and receive deliveries and complete waste collection. Some of the closed roads will be opened up from 2000hrs to 0600hrs on Friday 4, Saturday 5, Sunday 6, Monday 7 and Saturday 12 Augustto allow entry.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

For all the latest information of closures and restrictions in Glasgow related to the event in August, visit www.getreadyglasgow.com.

Enquiries can also be directed to the Get Ready Glasgow team at getreadyglasgow@glasgow.gov.uk or on 0141 276 2014.